Laser Pipeline Defect Detection Without Drainage Interruption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drainage pipeline defect detection technologies face challenges such as limited applicability due to the need for pipeline interception and cleaning, difficulty in detecting defects above the liquid level, and interference from sludge and temperature variations, leading to inaccurate and inefficient inspections.

Innovation Solution

A low-interference automatic detection device and method using fixed detection systems with laser probes and an inspection detection system with an inspection robot carrier, which can detect structural defects and pipeline conditions without interrupting drainage operations, employing laser probes for defect detection and an inspection robot for detailed exploration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If CCTV detection technology is used, then pipeline defect detection can be achieved, but pipeline interception and cleaning are required before detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical CCTV detection systems with laser-based detection technology. The laser probes emit laser beams that can penetrate through sludge and water flow without requiring mechanical cleaning or interception of the pipeline, enabling detection during normal operation while maintaining high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If sonar detection technology is used, then pipeline condition below liquid level can be detected, but defects above liquid level cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddefect identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs laser probes that can detect both above and below liquid level defects, providing universal detection capability. The laser beams can penetrate through water and sludge to detect defects at any level, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate detection methods for different pipeline conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If infrared thermal imaging technology is used, then pipeline defect detection can be achieved, but detection is greatly affected by temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtemperature interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces infrared thermal imaging with laser-based detection that is not sensitive to temperature variations. The laser probes measure pipeline characteristics through laser beam transmission and reflection, providing temperature-independent detection that eliminates the harmful effect of thermal interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If pipeline periscope detection technology is used, then short-distance pipeline detection can be achieved, but detection distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoiddetection distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical periscope systems with laser-based detection that can operate over long distances. The laser beams can travel through the pipeline for extended distances while maintaining detection accuracy, eliminating the short-distance limitation of periscope technology while keeping the system simple to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Reliability

If traditional detection methods are used, then pipeline defect detection can be achieved, but sludge and water flow greatly affect robot movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidrobot operation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical robot-based detection with laser-based detection that does not require physical contact with the pipeline environment. The laser probes can detect defects through sludge and water flow without being affected by these substances, eliminating the operational difficulties faced by traditional robots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Accurately locates structural defects with low misjudgment, reduces labor and time costs, and maintains pipeline operation by enabling real-time monitoring of defects and conditions in drainage pipelines with high efficiency and automation.

Implementation Method 1

A low-interference automatic detection device and method using fixed detection systems with laser probes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20250389366A1Low-interference automatic detection device and detection method for defects and conditions of drainage pipelines
Publication Date: 2025.12.25 NORTH CHINA MUNICIPAL ENG DESIGN & RES INST
  • US20250389366A1 patent drawing
  • US20250389366A1 patent drawing
  • US20250389366A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A low-interference automatic detection device includes an inspection detection system and two fixed detection systems. The fixed detection systems each include a semi-arc-shaped pipe wall fixing structure, a fixed detection transmission control system, and a plurality of first laser probes. The fixed detection transmission control system is installed on the pipe wall fixing structure. The plurality of first laser probes are respectively installed at different positions of the pipe wall fixing structure, and the plurality of first laser probes are connected to the fixed detection transmission control system. The inspection detection system includes an inspection track and an inspection robot. The inspection robot includes an inspection robot carrier, a robot controller, and a plurality of second laser probes. The plurality of second laser probes are respectively installed on a top and bottom of the inspection robot carrier. The inspection robot carrier is configured to move along the inspection track.