Deflection Means for Pipe Inspection Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection and maintenance systems face challenges in efficiently deflecting into subsidiary pipes without obstructing the camera view or mobility, and tools like gripping devices struggle to reach processing locations due to protruding guiding and steering devices.
Innovation Solution
A deflection device with a pivoting mechanism, flexible fixation, and pulling means allows for controlled deflection of the inspection means into subsidiary pipes using existing drive mechanisms, maintaining the camera's optical axis and enabling tool access without additional drive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a guiding device projects beyond the camera contour to enable deflection into subsidiary pipes, then the deflection capability is improved, but the camera's viewing angle is obstructed and inspection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding device is divided into multiple segments that can be independently controlled. The first guiding device segment can be retracted or positioned independently from the second guiding device segment, allowing the camera to maintain an unobstructed view while the guiding devices provide deflection capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding devices are designed to be dynamically adjustable during operation. They can be extended or retracted based on operational requirements, transforming from a static obstruction to a dynamic tool that only appears when needed for deflection maneuvers.
2Ease of operation
If additional drive means are provided exclusively for deflection, then the deflection control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive means located at the inspection means are designed to serve multiple functions: both driving the inspection means forward along the main pipe and controlling the deflection into subsidiary pipes. This eliminates the need for separate drive mechanisms dedicated solely to deflection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection control function is merged with the existing drive system of the inspection means. The drive means simultaneously performs propulsion and steering functions by coordinating the movement of multiple guiding device segments, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guiding devices project beyond the inspection means contour, then the steering capability is improved, but tool accessibility to processing locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding devices are segmented into multiple controllable sections. During tool operations, the guiding device segments can be retracted or repositioned to clear the path, allowing tools to reach processing locations without interference from the guiding structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding devices dynamically adjust their position based on operational phase: extended during deflection maneuvers for steering capability, and retracted during tool operations to maximize tool accessibility and reach to processing locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A deflection device for an inspection device is provided, wherein the deflection device has a working appliance having a main body and a pivoting element. The pivoting element is arranged pivotably about a pivot axis relative to the main body, a flexible fixation element, having a first end and a second end, wherein the main body is arranged at the first end, and a pulling element having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the pulling element is fixed at the pivoting element, and wherein the second end of the pulling element is fixed in the region of the second end of the fixation element.