Focused Pipe Imaging Head With Coincident Illumination Axes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging systems for inaccessible or uninhabitable areas, such as storm and sewer pipes, face challenges with invasive setups, limited maneuverability, and inefficient power consumption due to non-coincident light and imaging axes, necessitating a more convenient and efficient long-range imaging solution.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with coincident light and imaging axes using parabolic reflectors and a high-zoom imaging device, integrated into a single housing, which reduces power consumption and enhances maneuverability by eliminating the need for external power cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive inspection devices like pipe crawlers are used, then detailed images can be obtained, but the setup is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pipe crawler system with a stationary imaging head that uses optical zoom and focused illumination to achieve detailed imaging without physical movement through the pipe, eliminating the time-consuming setup and operation of invasive devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stationary imaging head positioned at an intermediate location (manhole or access point) that uses optical systems and controlled illumination to capture detailed images of pipe interiors without requiring the device to travel through the entire pipe length
2Measurement precision
If invasive inspection devices are used, then detailed imaging is possible, but the device complexity and maneuverability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical navigation systems with a stationary imaging head that uses optical zoom capabilities and controlled illumination to achieve detailed imaging, significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating maneuverability constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging head is designed to be universally applicable to various pipe configurations by using optical zoom and adjustable illumination rather than requiring mechanical adaptation to different pipe sizes and shapes
3Area of stationary object
If light beam is not focused and axes are not coincident, then illumination covers wider area, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies focused illumination that concentrates light energy along the optical axis to achieve efficient long-range imaging, using parabolic reflectors to direct light precisely where needed rather than dispersing it broadly, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining effective illumination area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parabolic reflectors with specific curvature to focus and direct light beams efficiently along the optical axis, achieving concentrated illumination that reduces power requirements compared to non-focused lighting arrangements
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 system achieves efficient long-range imaging with reduced power requirements, allowing battery operation and improved maneuverability, while simplifying manufacturing and reducing mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
a parabolic reflector having a base and defining a first axis; a light source disposed proximate the base and configured to emit light toward the parabolic reflector such that the parabolic reflector reflects the light to emit a beam of light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An imaging system (1700) having a forward and rearward orientation comprises at least one housing; at least one light source (1705, 1706); an imaging device (1703) contained in said housing, the imaging device (1703) comprising a zooming lens having an optical axis, wherein said zooming lens of said imaging device (1703) defines a position point within said housing; a positioning system comprising an elongated member for positioning said imaging device (1703); and a tilting mechanism operatively connected between said housing and said positioning system, said tilting mechanism being configured to tilt said housing relative to said elongated member such that said housing pivots around said position point.