Sensor Assemblies for Precise Blockage Location in Drain Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drain cleaning methods lack the ability to accurately identify and record points of interest, such as blockages, within pipes or drain lines, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to repeated cleaning of the same areas without knowledge of the exact location of blockages.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a drain cleaner with a rotatable motor output, a rotatable cable follower, and sensor assemblies to detect changes in rotation and linear displacement, processing data to identify points of interest by comparing calculated rotational slope values to predetermined thresholds, and a controller to determine the occurrence of these points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional drain cleaning methods are used without detection systems, then the cleaning process can be performed, but the ability to identify and locate points of interest such as blockages is lost, leading to repeated cleaning of the same areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical drain cleaning without detection with an electronic sensing system that uses sensors, processors, and data analysis to detect blockages and points of interest, substituting mechanical trial-and-error with electronic measurement and information processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor assemblies as intermediary devices between the drain cleaner and the blockage, using sensors to detect changes in rotation and linear displacement that indicate the presence and location of points of interest, acting as a mediator that provides information about the enclosed region
2Productivity
If the entire line is recleaned without knowing the specific location of blockages, then all areas are covered, but the time and cost associated with the job increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection and location identification of blockages before the cleaning operation, using sensor assemblies to map the enclosed region and identify points of interest in advance, allowing the cleaning process to be targeted and efficient rather than repetitive
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensor data is processed and analyzed to provide real-time information about blockage locations, allowing operators to adjust their cleaning approach based on actual conditions rather than proceeding with blind repeated cleaning of the entire line
3Loss of information
If sensor assemblies and data processing systems are added to the drain cleaner, then points of interest can be identified and located, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into separate sensor assemblies that can be attached to different components of the drain cleaner, with each sensor assembly independently detecting specific parameters, allowing the system to be modular and manageable rather than a monolithic complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or map of the enclosed region by processing sensor data to identify and record the locations of points of interest, storing this information for future reference and use, allowing the physical system to be represented and analyzed through data
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
Enables precise identification and location of points of interest within enclosed regions, reducing the time and cost associated with drain cleaning by providing detailed data for future reference and generating reports.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor assembly including a first pickup disposed on the motor output, and a first sensor affixed to a stationary component of the drain cleaner and in operable communication with the first pickup
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor assembly including a second pickup disposed on the cable follower, and a second sensor affixed to a stationary component of the drain cleaner and in operable communication with the second pickup
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for identifying one or more points of interest in pipes or drain lines are described. Examples of points of interest include blockages caused by debris in the pipe or drain line. The systems are incorporated into drain cleaning machines. Also described are drain cleaning machines utilizing the systems.