Articulating Visual Inspection Device via Digital Templates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visual inspection methods for industrial assets are time-consuming, error-prone, and costly due to a lack of standardization and reproducibility, requiring skilled operators and causing asset downtime.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of automated or semi-manual articulation of visual inspection devices using inspection templates that generate precise articulation paths, allowing less skilled operators to perform inspections and minimizing downtime by automating the process, enabling simultaneous control of multiple devices and ancillary tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection methods are used, then operators can adapt to different inspection scenarios, but inspection consistency and standardization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a standardized digital representation (copy) of the inspection procedure through structured data models and templates. This digital copy captures the standardized inspection path and parameters, allowing automated execution that replicates consistent results across multiple inspections while maintaining adaptability through configurable templates.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of inspection parameters (such as articulation paths, capture frequencies, and target locations) through parameterized templates. This enables the same standardized framework to adapt to different inspection scenarios by modifying parameters rather than changing the fundamental standardized structure.
2Reliability
If automated articulation is implemented, then inspection standardization improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the standardized inspection protocol and the physical articulation mechanism. This control system receives standardized instructions, translates them into appropriate actuator commands, and manages the articulation process, thereby achieving standardization without directly increasing the complexity of the mechanical articulation system itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex manual mechanical control with automated electronic control. Instead of requiring skilled operators to manually manipulate the inspection device, the system uses programmed articulation paths and automated positioning, substituting mechanical skill with electronic precision and standardization.
3Reliability
If skilled operators are required, then inspection quality improves, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system performs self-service by executing standardized procedures autonomously. The automated articulation and structured data collection eliminate the need for skilled operator intervention, allowing the system to maintain high inspection quality through programmed precision rather than human expertise, thereby reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent captures the expertise of skilled operators by encoding their knowledge into standardized digital templates and procedures. This digital copy of expert knowledge can be replicated indefinitely without the need for expensive human operators, maintaining inspection quality while reducing operational costs through automation.
4Reliability
If assets are taken offline for inspection, then inspection thoroughness improves, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous inspection capability by allowing assets to remain operational while inspection data is collected through automated articulation and remote monitoring. The system can perform inspections without requiring assets to be taken offline, maintaining continuous productive action while ensuring thorough inspection through automated comprehensive data collection.
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
This approach streamlines inspections, reduces costs, enhances asset productivity, and ensures consistent data quality by allowing precise and repeatable protocols, eliminating the need for highly skilled operators and minimizing asset downtime.
Implementation Method 1
An electro-mechanical actuator of the visual inspection device can be actuated according to the articulation path
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for articulating visual inspection devices are provided. For example, a method can include receiving an inspection template by a control system associated with the visual inspection device. The inspection template can include data associated with at least one point of interest in a scene viewable to the visual inspection device. The method can further include generating, by the control system, an articulation path based on the data. The method can also include actuating an electro-mechanical system of the visual inspection device according to the articulation path.