Manhole Sensor Head Using Structured Light and Radar for 3D Defect Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manhole inspection methods lack comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable data collection, failing to standardize defect coding and integration with existing sewer asset management systems, posing challenges for maintenance and rehabilitation decisions.
Innovation Solution
A system employing a sensor head with high-resolution cameras, LED lighting, structured light, DGPS, lasers, and radar to collect and process data for a three-dimensional model of manholes, enabling precise defect location and structural integrity assessment, and integrating data for long-term monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional visual inspection methods are used, then inspector safety is improved, but inspection comprehensiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic inspection system serves as an intermediary between the inspector and the manhole interior. The robot performs the inspection tasks inside the confined space while the inspector remains safely outside, controlling the robot remotely. This mediator approach allows comprehensive inspection of manhole interiors, walls, and structures without exposing human inspectors to confined space hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, cameras, and measurement devices. The robot systematically explores the manhole interior, capturing data through multiple sensors including visual cameras, distance measurement devices, and structural analysis tools, thereby achieving comprehensive inspection coverage that manual methods cannot attain.
2Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into multiple independent sensor modules and functional subsystems. Each sensor type (visual cameras, distance measurement devices, structural analysis tools) operates independently but integrates data through a centralized processing system. This segmentation allows high-precision measurements through specialized sensors while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic inspection system integrates multiple functions into a single universal platform. The robot can perform visual inspection, dimensional measurement, structural analysis, and defect detection simultaneously using various sensors mounted on its body. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision across different inspection parameters while consolidating complexity into one integrated system rather than requiring separate specialized equipment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standardized inspection protocols are implemented, then data consistency is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system operates continuously without interruption, systematically moving through the manhole interior and capturing data at multiple points along the inspection path. The robot maintains continuous operation through automated navigation and sensor data collection, eliminating the start-stop nature of manual inspections. This continuous action collects comprehensive data efficiently while standardized processing protocols ensure consistency, reducing overall inspection time compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming standardized inspection protocols and predetermined measurement locations. The robot follows pre-planned inspection paths and automatically captures data at standardized intervals and positions. This preliminary preparation of inspection procedures and paths ensures data consistency across multiple inspections while reducing on-site decision-making time, thereby shortening total inspection duration.
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
Provides thorough, accurate, and repeatable inspection data that can be standardized and used for long-term monitoring, facilitating better maintenance and rehabilitation decisions by generating comprehensive, measurable data that can be stored and analyzed effectively.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor head with high-resolution cameras, LED lighting, structured light, DGPS, lasers, and radar
Implementation Method 2
lasers
Implementation Method 3
radar
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for inspecting manholes or other voids and collecting data in a comprehensive, repeatable, and measurable manner. A sensor head is suspended and lowered into a manhole or other void. The sensor head collects data related to the condition of the manhole or void walls, and locations of defects, damage, or lateral pipe openings. The data can then be processed to provide a three-dimensional model of the manhole or void, and can be compared to previous or future data.