Multi-piece inline jet-sonde for precise pipe location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating a cleaning nozzle or troubleshooting device within pipes are inaccurate and prone to misdiagnosis due to mechanical counter inaccuracies, transmitter separation during high-pressure operations, and the need for expensive equipment with embedded wires.
Innovation Solution
An inline jet-sonde system that is self-powering and securely attached to the high-pressure jet-hose, using a sonde transmitter with a hollow core and carrier configuration to emit detectable signals for precise location identification, powered by water flow through a turbine or battery, ensuring the transmitter remains intact during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical counter is used to track hose footage, then the device can provide approximate location guidance, but the measurement precision is highly inaccurate due to tension wheel wear and varying hose circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tension wheel counter system with an electronic encoder-based measurement system. The encoder mounted on the hose reel hub directly measures rotational position and converts it to linear hose displacement through computational algorithms, eliminating mechanical wear issues and providing precise digital footage tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts measurement parameters by incorporating real-time hose diameter measurements and reel rotational position data into the footage calculation algorithm. This allows the system to compensate for varying hose circumference and maintain high measurement precision throughout the entire hose deployment cycle.
2Ease of manufacture
If a transmitter is attached to the cleaning nozzle using temporary means, then the transmitter can be easily installed, but the reliability of transmitter attachment deteriorates under high-pressure water flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitter housing with the carrier assembly into a single integrated unit. The carrier serves both as the mounting structure for attaching to the hose and as the protective housing for the transmitter, eliminating separate attachment components and ensuring the transmitter remains securely attached under high-pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the transmitter is housed within the carrier assembly, which itself attaches to the hose. The carrier acts as an intermediate container that protects the transmitter and maintains its positional relationship with the hose, ensuring reliable attachment through multiple hierarchical levels.
3Measurement precision
If expensive equipment with embedded wires is used for location tracking, then the measurement precision can be improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-powered transmitter system that generates its own electrical power through a small turbine driven by the high-pressure water flow passing through the hose. This eliminates the need for external power sources, embedded wires, or complex electrical connections, while maintaining precise location tracking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the kinetic energy of the high-pressure water flow itself to drive the turbine generator, converting hydraulic energy into electrical power for the transmitter. This approach leverages the existing operational fluid to power the tracking system, avoiding complex wiring and external power requirements.
4Ease of operation
If a multi-piece carrier configuration is used for the inline jet-sonde, then the ease of operation and assembly is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the carrier into multiple separable sections that can be independently assembled and configured. This modular segmentation allows operators to assemble the carrier around the hose and transmitter in a straightforward sequence, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.
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 inline jet-sonde system provides precise location identification of the cleaning nozzle within pipes, reducing misdiagnosis and equipment costs by using existing high-pressure hoses and being resistant to electrical noise, allowing for effective problem diagnosis in both underground and above-ground pipes.
Implementation Method 1
powered by water flow through a turbine or battery
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-piece sonde configuration for use in troubleshooting a pipe and providing precise location of the problem includes a sonde carrier having a first end adapted to attach to a line and a second opposite end adapted to attach to a troubleshooting device. The multi-piece sonde can include a first carrier having a sonde housing with a central fluid passageway and a sonde transmitter operably positioned about the central fluid passageway. A second carrier can include a housing with a central fluid passageway and a power source carried by the second carrier. A flexible connector has a central fluid passageway and first and second opposing ends, and the first carrier is operably connected to the first end of the flexible connector and the second carrier is operably connected to the second end of the flexible connector. An electrical connection between the power source and the sonde transmitter can be carried by the flexible connector.