Conduit Inspection Crawler With Invert-Referenced Grade Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting underground conduits lack accuracy in measuring alignment, distance, grade, and vertical deflection, leading to potential deviations from design specifications, which can result in construction delays, increased costs, and maintenance issues due to the reliance on third-party inspectors and manual measurements.
Innovation Solution
A crawler equipped with sensors and a guide wheel that rides on the conduit's invert, allowing for remote operation and data collection to assess alignment, distance, and grade, enabling real-time monitoring and comparison to design plans, thereby reducing the need for continuous third-party inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used for conduit inspection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to alignment and grade deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated crawler-based measurement system equipped with sensors, GPS, and data processing capabilities. This substitution significantly improves measurement precision for alignment, grade, and vertical deflection while accepting increased device complexity as a necessary trade-off for achieving design specification compliance.
2Manufacturing precision
If third-party inspectors continuously monitor construction, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to construction delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-inspecting system where the crawler autonomously navigates the conduit and collects measurement data without requiring continuous third-party inspector presence. The system automatically compares measurements against design specifications and generates compliance reports, enabling contractors to perform their own quality verification and eliminating productivity-lossing interruptions from external inspection crews.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides immediate feedback by automatically comparing collected measurement data with design specifications. The crawler's onboard computer processes data in real-time, identifies deviations from acceptable tolerances, and generates compliance determinations, enabling rapid quality assessment without waiting for external inspector analysis.
3Reliability
If trench boxes and bracing equipment are used for deep narrow trenches, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates making construction more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the inspection action preliminarily by measuring and recording conduit position and grade data immediately after installation but before backfilling. This preliminary measurement captures the conduit's as-installed condition, allowing quality verification to occur while the conduit is still accessible, eliminating the need for difficult post-installation access through deep narrow trenches.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is embodied in a crawler that measures alignment, distance, grade, and vertical deflection of underground conduits. The crawler drives through the conduit and collects data that is used to inspect and evaluate whether the construction meets the grade and alignment according to the construction documents and specifications and spot locations of culvert deflections from material defect and/or bedding deficiencies. The preferred crawler is moved into and out of a conduit via remote control. The preferred crawler comprises a deck for carrying electronic sensors, a battery, and other devices. A computer located on the deck communicates with the electronic sensors and the other devices. Most importantly, the preferred crawler comprises at least one wheel that rides on the invert of the conduit. The guide wheel is a key element of the invention because having at least one wheel ride on the invert provides referential location for other measurements.