Nozzle-Mounted Pipe Camera With Interchangeable Sleds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection methods, such as pipe crawlers, are inconvenient, time-consuming, and limited by pipe size and condition, leading to inefficient inspections and increased costs due to repeated invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle-mounted camera system with interchangeable sleds of different diameters, allowing a single camera module to be configured toollessly with various sleds to accommodate different pipe sizes, and featuring self-leveling and wireless image transmission capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pipe crawlers or push cameras are used for inspection, then detailed images can be obtained, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into separate functional components: a reusable camera module that can be detached and attached to different sleds. This segmentation allows the camera module to be quickly exchanged between sleds of different diameters, eliminating the time-consuming setup required by traditional pipe crawlers while maintaining detailed imaging capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
A single camera module is designed to be universally compatible with multiple sleds of different diameters through standardized engagement members. This multi-functionality allows one camera module to inspect pipes of various sizes by simply changing the sled, rather than requiring specialized equipment for each pipe diameter, thus reducing inspection time and equipment complexity
2Measurement precision
If pipe crawlers are used for inspection, then detailed images can be obtained, but the device complexity increases due to specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module serves as a universal inspection device that can be attached to sleds of different diameters through standardized engagement members. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized pipe crawler devices, reducing equipment complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain detailed images across various pipe sizes
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the camera module from the sled and using standardized engagement members, the system allows for simple assembly and disassembly. This segmentation reduces device complexity by enabling the camera module to be reused across different sled configurations without requiring complex integration mechanisms
3Reliability
If traditional inspection methods are used, then blockage conditions can be determined, but repeated invasive inspections are required for cleaning verification
Solution Approach 1:
The same universal camera module used for detailed inspection can also perform blockage detection by attaching to appropriately sized sleds. This eliminates the need for separate blockage detection devices and repeated invasive inspections, as the versatile camera system can assess both blockage conditions and cleaning effectiveness using the same equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module can perform preliminary blockage detection and assessment before cleaning operations begin. After cleaning, the same module can quickly verify removal effectiveness, eliminating the need for repeated invasive inspections and improving operational convenience while maintaining reliable detection
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single camera module is used with interchangeable sleds, then versatility across pipe sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sled components
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is designed with universal engagement members that can interface with sleds of different diameters through standardized connection mechanisms. This universality provides versatility across pipe sizes while minimizing device complexity by using consistent engagement interfaces rather than specialized connections for each sled type
Solution Approach 2:
The system accommodates different pipe sizes by changing the sled parameter (diameter) rather than modifying the camera module itself. The standardized engagement members allow for parameter changes in sled size while maintaining the same basic camera module design, thus providing versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system comprising (a) one or more sleds, each sled comprising (i) three or more rails running lengthwise and defining a diameter and a central axis of said each sled, (ii) first and second mounts, (iii) a nozzle comprising an interface configured for connection to a hose, and (iv) one or more jets configured for communicating fluid from said hose outward; (c) a camera module comprising (i) a housing, (ii) a camera having an optical axis, (iii) one or more lights; (iv) at least one battery, (v) memory operatively connected to said camera for recording images from said camera; and (vi) front and rear members for interengaging with said first and second mounts, respectively, such that at least one of said front or rear members urges against said first or second mounts to secure said camera module to said each sled such that said optical axis is essentially coincident with said central axis.