Buoyant Pipe Capsule Tracking for Buried Water Line Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapping technologies are inadequate for accurately locating and mapping buried water lines before excavation, as they lack the capability to navigate through narrow pipes and provide real-time depth and position data.
Innovation Solution
A remote unit with a GPS-enabled transceiver and a buoyant, fluid-impermeable capsule with a tracking unit that can be inserted into buried pipes to transmit depth and position data, allowing for the creation of detailed maps of pipe layouts and detection of obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mapping technologies are used, then mapping capability is provided, but accuracy in locating buried water lines is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mapping methods with a GPS-based satellite positioning system. The mapping device incorporates a GPS receiver that receives satellite signals to determine precise location coordinates, substituting mechanical surveying equipment with electronic satellite-based positioning to achieve higher measurement precision for buried water line location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microprocessor as an intermediary component that processes GPS coordinates and correlates them with pipe location data. The microprocessor acts as a mediator between the GPS receiver and the mapping output, enabling accurate translation of satellite position data into precise buried water line location information.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If mapping is performed before excavation, then safety is improved, but existing technologies cannot navigate through narrow pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the mapping device inside the existing pipe structure. The device is inserted through the pipe system and navigates within the confined space, allowing mapping operations to be performed from within the pipe rather than requiring external access or excavation, thus improving safety while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping device is segmented into modular components including a GPS receiver, microprocessor, and power source that can be contained within a compact form factor suitable for pipe insertion. This segmentation allows the device to navigate narrow pipes while maintaining full mapping functionality.
3Measurement precision
If real-time depth and position data is provided, then mapping accuracy is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves multi-functionality by integrating GPS reception, coordinate processing, and mapping capabilities into a single device. The GPS receiver provides both position and depth information simultaneously, and the microprocessor handles multiple functions including data processing, storage, and output generation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 precise mapping and detection of buried pipes and obstructions, facilitating safe excavation and maintenance by providing real-time depth and position data, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of pipe location and repair processes.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule is comprised of a buoyant material to float in the buried pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A water line mapping assembly includes a remote unit that is held by a user. The remote unit has a remote transceiver that is in electrical communication with a global positioning system (gps). A capsule is provided that has an outside diameter sufficiently small to fit into a buried pipe. The capsule is comprised of a buoyant material to float in the buried pipe, and the capsule is comprised of a fluid impermeable material. A tracking unit is positioned inside the capsule and the tracking unit is in wireless electrical communication with the gps. Thus, the gps can establish a depth and a position of the tracking unit when the capsule is positioned in the buried pipe. The tracking unit is in electrical communication with the remote unit thereby facilitating the remote unit to display the depth and position of the tracking unit. In this way the remote unit can map the buried pipe.