Capacitive Sewer Connection Detection Through Contact-Guided Lining Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer detection technologies require numerous sensors, leading to high costs and inefficient detection of inlets or connections due to complex sensor arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A capacitive sensor with at least one electrode is guided in contact with the inner lining of a sewer pipe, using a force application means like springs or a force-controlled positioning device to maintain a constant and close proximity, allowing for simplified signal evaluation and reduced sensor requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If numerous sensors are used for sewer detection, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single capacitive sensor that can detect both the position of the inner lining and sewer connections through its electrodes. The sensor integrates what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors, simplifying the device while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the inner lining position, measures distance to the lining, and identifies sewer connections. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for numerous specialized sensors, reducing device complexity while preserving comprehensive detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If distance measurement systems are added to maintain constant sensor distance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement function is merged into the capacitive sensor itself. The sensor's electrodes naturally provide capacitive coupling that varies with distance, allowing the system to both measure and maintain constant distance without adding separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitive sensor self-regulates its positioning by using its own electrical field interactions with the inner lining to determine and maintain optimal distance. The sensor's electrical characteristics automatically adapt to maintain constant coupling, eliminating the need for external positioning control systems.
3Measurement precision
If capacitive sensor is brought into contact with inner lining, then signal coupling is improved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitive sensor electrodes are covered with flexible insulating material that allows the sensor to conform to and contact the inner lining surface. This flexible covering protects the electrical components from damage while maintaining intimate contact for optimal signal coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating intermediate layer is introduced between the capacitive sensor electrodes and the inner lining. This intermediary layer prevents direct electrical contact that could cause damage, while still allowing sufficient capacitive coupling for accurate measurement of sewer connections.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves improved signal coupling and cost-effective detection of sewer connections by eliminating unnecessary distance measurements and reducing sensor complexity, while maintaining precise positioning and reliable detection.
Implementation Method 1
the capacitive sensor has at least one electrode from which an electric field emanates which is designed to penetrate at least the inner lining and a section of the sewer wall
Implementation Method 2
the capacitive sensor consists of three electrodes arranged concentrically around the ultrasonic sensor as ring electrodes
Implementation Method 3
If a dielectric in the area of the capacitive sensor's field lines does not change, the measuring amplifier outputs the same differential signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for detecting a sewer connection (14) of a sewer pipe (10) which is concealed by an inner lining (18), wherein a capacitive sensor (28, 56, 70, 80, 86, 94) is guided by means of a transport device (22) inside the sewer pipe (10) along the inner lining (18), wherein the capacitive sensor (28, 56, 70, 80, 86, 94) has at least one electrode (30, 32, 58, 60, 72, 74, 82, 84, 88, 90, 96, 98, 100) from which an electric field (38) emanates, which is designed to penetrate at least the inner lining (18) and a section of the sewer wall (12), wherein the electric field (38) is measured and used for Detection of the opening (14) is evaluated with an evaluation unit (36).In order to simplify the positioning of the capacitive sensor relative to the channel wall and the signal evaluation, it is provided that the at least one electrode (30, 32, 58, 60, 72, 74, 82, 84, 88, 90, 96, 98, 100) of the capacitive sensor and/or the capacitive sensor (28, 56, 70, 80, 86, 94) is subjected to force against the inner lining (18) during the measurement and is guided in contact along the inner lining (18).