Remote Manhole Inspection Pole for Safer Vault Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting underground structures, such as electrical manhole vaults, require physical entry, which is time-consuming, costly, and poses safety risks due to potential hazards like toxic gases and electrical contacts.
Innovation Solution
A finitely controllable inspection tool system that includes a platform, an extendable pole, a mounting bracket, a camera, and a light emitting source, allowing for remote imaging and mapping of underground structures without physical entry. The camera is equipped with servo motors for adjustable orientation, and the system can be transported on a vehicle for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical entry into underground structures is used for inspection, then detailed visual inspection can be performed, but inspection time and resource requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical human entry with a remote inspection system consisting of a camera mounted on an extendable pole. The camera captures images of the underground structure interior, and these images are transmitted to a receiver for analysis, eliminating the need for inspectors to physically enter the structure while maintaining inspection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (camera system with extendable pole) that acts as a mediator between the inspector and the underground structure. The camera captures visual information from inside the structure and transmits it to the receiver, allowing detailed inspection without direct physical contact or entry by human inspectors
2Measurement precision
If physical entry into underground structures is required, then comprehensive inspection can be conducted, but safety risks from toxic gases and electrical hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves as an intermediary that allows comprehensive inspection of the underground structure interior without exposing human inspectors to harmful factors such as toxic gases and electrical hazards. The extendable pole transmits the camera through the structure opening, enabling complete visual documentation while keeping operators at a safe distance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (images) of the underground structure interior using the camera system. These images are transmitted to a receiver for analysis, allowing comprehensive inspection documentation without requiring physical presence in the hazardous environment. The visual copy preserves all necessary inspection information while eliminating exposure to dangers
3Measurement precision
If multiple personnel and equipment are deployed for inspection, then thorough inspection can be performed, but inspection costs and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple personnel (three linemen and one helper) with an automated remote inspection system. The extendable pole with mounted camera performs the inspection function that previously required coordinated human effort, substantially reducing the quantity of human resources needed while maintaining or improving inspection thoroughness
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed to be self-operating to the extent possible. The extendable pole can be positioned and the camera operated remotely without requiring multiple personnel to physically enter and manually inspect the structure. The system performs its own inspection function through automated image capture and transmission, reducing dependency on large human crews
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 inspection tool significantly reduces the time and resources required for inspecting underground structures, enhances safety by eliminating the need for physical entry, and provides precise imaging and mapping of conductor and conduit locations.
Implementation Method 1
The light emitting sources are coupled to the extendable pole proximate the camera wherein the light emitting sources emit light to illuminate 360 degrees about the extendable pole
Implementation Method 2
the camera mount includes servo motors such that the servo motors rotate the camera in at least one of a vertical, horizontal and circular orientation relative to a longitudinal axis of the extendable pole
Data Source
AI summary
A stable inspection tool and method for inspecting electrical manhole vaults and other structures. The tool and method of the present invention eliminates the need for physical entry into underground electrical manhole vaults and other underground structures when inspecting the structure or when identifying, tracing and mapping existing conductor and conduit locations. Further, improved images of the structure may be obtained without entering the structure.