Manhole Inspection Imaging Head with Targeting Fixture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection methods for inaccessible or uninhabitable areas, such as storm and sewer pipes, are inconvenient and time-consuming, especially when trying to focus on targets at long ranges due to limitations in positioning and stability of imaging heads.
Innovation Solution
A system with a targeting fixture that allows the imaging head to be positioned in the 'sweet spot' within the pipe, providing calibration, adjustability, and stability to achieve maximum illumination and focus at longer ranges, using a resilient member to maintain the imaging head's position and a variable beam lamp for enhanced imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-held inspection system with magnification capabilities is used to image inaccessible areas, then the convenience and speed of inspection is improved, but the ability to focus on targets at long ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging head is made dynamically adjustable along the boom structure, allowing it to move to different positions to achieve optimal focus at various ranges. The boom itself is telescopic, enabling dynamic adjustment of the imaging head's distance from the inspection area, thus maintaining focus capability across different long-range scenarios while preserving hand-held convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
A boom structure is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the imaging head. This boom acts as an extendable arm that positions the imaging head at the precise location needed for long-range imaging, mediating between the operator's hand-held control and the requirement for stable, focused imaging at distance.
2Area of stationary object
If the imaging head is positioned closer to the target area, then the field of view is improved, but the stability and ability to maintain position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boom structure serves as a stable intermediary platform that supports the imaging head. By providing a rigid, extendable mounting structure, the boom enables the imaging head to maintain a stable position at various distances from the target, preventing the instability that would result from direct hand-held positioning.
3Measurement precision
If invasive inspection devices like pipe crawlers are used, then detailed images can be obtained, but the time and complexity of setup and operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical magnification capabilities in the imaging head to capture detailed images of the inspection area without physical contact. This optical copying approach allows detailed imaging similar to invasive methods but without the time-consuming setup and operation requirements, as the imaging head can be quickly positioned and focused on targets from a distance.
4Productivity
If the imaging head is made more maneuverable for quick positioning, then the inspection speed is improved, but the stability required for clear imaging at long range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic positioning through the telescopic boom and adjustable imaging head, allowing rapid movement to different inspection locations. Once positioned, the boom's rigid structure provides the stability needed for clear imaging, thus resolving the contradiction between maneuverability for speed and stability for image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure acts as a stable intermediary platform that decouples the maneuverability requirement from the imaging stability requirement. The operator can quickly maneuver the entire boom assembly to new positions, while the imaging head mounted on the boom maintains stable positioning relative to the target area, enabling both fast repositioning and clear imaging.
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
Enables clear imaging and data gathering at longer ranges than conventional devices, reducing the need for invasive procedures by quickly identifying issues like cracks or blockages, and facilitating more efficient maintenance operations.
Implementation Method 1
the targeting fixture having a distal end biased outwardly from the imaging head; pushing down on the elongated member such that the distal end resiliently moves toward the imaging head
Implementation Method 2
an imaging head which can be readily positioned to image the general area initially, and then to zoom in on a target to obtain its image with the desired degree of detail
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method of inspecting a lateral pipe extending from a manhole, the method comprising: (a) extending an imaging head into the manhole using a positioning system, the imaging head comprising an imaging device and at least one lamp capable of producing a light beam, the positioning system comprising an elongated member and a targeting fixture operatively connected thereto, the imaging head being attached to one end of the elongated member, the targeting fixture having a distal end biased outwardly from the imaging head; (b) placing the distal end on a rigid surface proximate to the lateral pipe; (c) pushing down on the elongated member such that the distal end resiliently moves toward the imaging head, thereby allowing the light beam to be centered approximately in the lateral pipe; and (d) imaging a target located within the lateral pipe.