Accessible Drum-Reel Frame for Slip-Ring-Free Pipe Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe inspection systems face challenges with limited access to cable storage drums, requiring slip-rings for electrical connectivity, and are not adaptable to various drum sizes and shapes, leading to maintenance issues and unreliable data communication.
Innovation Solution
A modular drum assembly with a removable inner core module that mates with an outer cone, allowing bidirectional rotation without slip-rings, and supports interchangeable components like batteries and sensors, ensuring constant connectivity and easy drum replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip-rings are used to maintain electrical connectivity during drum rotation, then electrical connectivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates due to maintenance requirements and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the slip-ring mechanism from the system entirely. Instead of using slip-rings to maintain electrical connectivity during rotation, the invention uses a stationary hub with electrical components that remain fixed while the drum rotates around it, eliminating the need for sliding contacts and their associated reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into a stationary hub containing electrical components and a rotating drum. This segmentation allows the electrical components to remain stationary while the cable storage drum rotates independently, eliminating the need for slip-rings to transfer electrical signals during rotation
2Reliability
If the frame is designed to securely hold the cable storage drum, then drum stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access for maintenance and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is segmented into removable panels or sections that can be easily opened or detached. This allows the cable storage drum to be accessed, removed, or replaced without disassembling the entire frame structure, maintaining drum stability during operation while enabling easy maintenance access
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates dynamic access mechanisms such as removable panels, hinged sections, or quick-release latches that allow the structure to transition from a closed stable state during operation to an open accessible state during maintenance, and back again
3Manufacturing precision
If the frame is designed to accommodate a specific drum size and shape, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to accept various drum sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with universal mounting features, adjustable support structures, and standardized interface elements that allow it to accommodate cable storage drums of various sizes and shapes. This multi-functional design maintains precise fit and stability while enabling versatility across different drum configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe inspection system includes a cable storage drum and a housing configured to removably receive and rotatably support the cable storage drum. A push-cable with multiple conductors is stored in the drum. An inspection camera may be attached to a distal end of the push-cable. The housing includes an accessible frame outer shell which can be opened to allow access to, and/or replacement of the cable storage drum. The frame has a hinged or otherwise transformably coupled portion that can be opened and closed. At least one latching/locking mechanism is provided to allow the frame to be opened, or closed and latched/locked. The frame accepts different size drum-reels. The frame may be configured to accept a removable bearing ring which mates with the cable storage drum. The frame may include a handle, as well as one or more wheels to allow the cable storage drum to be relocated.