Digital Telescoping Gauge for Automated Pipe Radius Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional telescoping gauges for measuring interior radii of assets like pipes are cumbersome, dependent on manual intervention, and lack real-time data analysis capabilities, leading to inaccurate and inefficient measurements.
Innovation Solution
A digital wireless telescoping gauge system that includes a telescoping gauge with sliding and vertical arms, a data digitizer for converting analog to digital measurements, and a wireless unit for transmitting data to a processing subsystem for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional telescoping gauge is used for measurement, then the measurement process can be completed, but the operation is cumbersome and involves manual intervention for both measurement and recording
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function and data recording function into a single integrated digital telescoping gauge device. The digital display and wireless transmission components are built into the gauge itself, eliminating the need for separate manual recording steps and reducing the overall operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reading and recording process with an electronic digital display and wireless data transmission system. The measurement data is automatically captured and transmitted digitally, substituting the mechanical manual operations with electronic automation.
2Productivity
If manual data collection and analysis is used, then the process can be completed, but it is challenging and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data collection and analysis processes with automated electronic systems. The digital telescoping gauge automatically captures measurement data and wirelessly transmits it to a remote device for immediate analysis, eliminating the time-consuming manual data handling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback by immediately transmitting measurement data to a remote device where it can be analyzed and used for monitoring. This closed-loop feedback system allows for immediate action based on measurement results, significantly improving productivity compared to delayed manual analysis.
3Measurement precision
If conventional telescoping gauge is used, then measurement can be performed, but accuracy is compromised due to dependence on inspector experience and habits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human inspector's subjective judgment with an objective digital measurement and display system. The digital telescoping gauge provides consistent, repeatable readings that are not influenced by inspector experience or habits, thereby improving both accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the measurement system to self-record and self-transmit data without human intervention. The digital display and wireless transmission components allow the gauge to automatically capture and communicate measurement results, eliminating the variability introduced by manual reading and recording processes.
4Reliability
If real-time data analysis is implemented, then asset condition can be monitored timely, but computational capabilities are required that are typically not instantly available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computational analysis function from the measurement device itself and places it on a separate remote device. The digital telescoping gauge only needs to perform simple measurement and wireless transmission, while the complex data analysis is performed on a remote device with sufficient computational capabilities, thus avoiding the need to increase the complexity of the measurement device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing computational capabilities of common remote devices such as smartphones or tablets to perform data analysis. By leveraging the universal computing power already present in these devices, the system achieves real-time analysis without adding specialized complex computational hardware to the telescoping gauge itself.
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system for determining dimensions of a measurement zone of a physical asset is presented. The system includes a telescoping gauge configured to determine one or more analog measurements corresponding to the measurement zone of the physical asset, where the telescoping gauge includes a sliding arm and a vertical arm. Furthermore, the system includes a data digitizer operatively coupled to the telescoping gauge and configured to convert the one or more analog measurements to corresponding one or more digital measurements. In addition, the system includes a wireless unit operatively coupled to the telescoping gauge and configured to wirelessly transmit the one or more digital measurements.