Contactless Odometer Using Magnetic Defect Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) odometers fail to accurately measure distance traveled due to mechanical wear and skidding caused by debris and dirt, leading to errors and potential system failure, especially in harsh environments like underground or underwater pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A contactless odometer system using a sensor array with sensing elements that output signals dependent on distance and defects, allowing for distance measurement without physical contact, employing a suspension system to maintain a constant distance and a controller to generate defect maps and determine translation distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a wheel-based odometer is used to measure distance traveled by the PIG, then distance measurement capability is provided, but the wheel experiences mechanical wear and skidding due to debris and dirt, resulting in measurement errors and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel-based odometer system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. Instead of using a physical wheel that contacts the pipe interior surface, the invention employs a sensor array that detects magnetic field changes caused by defects in the pipe wall. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and skidding while providing continuous distance measurement capability through the relationship between sensor position and defect location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wheel-based odometer is used, then distance measurement is enabled, but the wheel is exposed to debris and dirt in harsh environments, leading to skidding and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel that physically contacts the pipe interior with a non-contact magnetic sensing system. The sensor array detects magnetic field disturbances caused by defects in the pipe wall without requiring physical contact. This eliminates the problem of debris and dirt affecting wheel rotation, thereby maintaining measurement precision in harsh environments while improving environmental adaptability.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a wheel-based odometer is used, then the odometer can measure distance traveled, but mechanical wear of the wheel can render the odometer inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel component with a solid-state magnetic sensing system. The sensor array, consisting of magnetic sensors arranged in a pattern, detects defects in the pipe wall by measuring magnetic field changes. This non-mechanical system has no moving parts that experience wear, thereby significantly extending the operational lifespan and improving the reliability of the distance measurement function throughout the inspection process.
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
The contactless odometer system provides accurate distance measurement and defect mapping with reduced maintenance and operational costs, suitable for various pipe diameters, and is less prone to failure compared to wheel-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensing elements can be eddy current sensors
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensing elements can include solid-state magnetic sensors, or coil-based magnetic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless odometer system can include a sensor array. The sensor array can include a plurality of sensing elements adjacent to a target surface and configured to receive signals based on a distance separating the sensing element from the adjacent surface and a defect present below the adjacent surface of the target. The system can also include a controller configured to receive the signals from first and second locations within the target and to generate first and second defect maps corresponding to the first and second locations. The controller can identify overlapping portions of first and second defect maps and can determine a translation distance in at least one direction. Related methods of determining a distance traveled by a contactless odometer system are also provided.