Pipe Diameter Measurement Device Using Remote Laser Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for measuring the diameter of lateral pipes in municipal sewer systems are hazardous, unreliable, and impractical due to the need for direct access, which poses health risks and is often obstructed by debris or damage.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system featuring an elongated pole with a distal member and a beam measurement device that can be inserted into a lateral pipe to register against the inner wall, allowing for diameter calculation without entering the manhole, using a laser distance finder and adjustable components for accurate measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a person climbs into the manhole to measure lateral pipes directly, then measurement access is achieved, but health safety deteriorates due to exposure to sewer gases and toxic fumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote measurement device as an intermediary tool that can be inserted into the lateral pipe through the manhole opening without requiring personnel to enter the hazardous confined space. The device includes a measurement instrument mounted on an extended pole or rod that reaches into the pipe to obtain diameter measurements remotely, thereby eliminating direct human exposure to toxic sewer gases while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of manual measurement with a remote measurement device that uses optical or electronic sensing mechanisms. The device may incorporate laser distance measurement, ultrasonic sensing, or other non-contact measurement technologies to determine pipe diameter without physical contact by human operators, thus substituting the hazardous manual mechanical measurement process with a safer remote sensing system.
2Ease of operation
If measurement is taken at the manhole opening, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to corruption at the seam between manhole and lateral
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the measurement location from the two-dimensional plane of the manhole opening to the interior dimension of the lateral pipe itself. By inserting the measurement device into the pipe and taking measurements at multiple points along the pipe's interior surface, the system obtains data that reflects the actual pipe diameter away from the corrupted seam area, thereby improving reliability while maintaining operational feasibility through remote access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lateral pipes are located at the bottom of the manhole or underwater, then complete inspection coverage is improved, but measurement practicality deteriorates due to difficulty in observing measuring devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual observation of measuring devices with electronic sensing and digital display systems. The remote measurement device incorporates sensors that can operate underwater or in low-visibility conditions, with results transmitted electronically to a display unit or data logging system. This may include waterproof housings, optical sensors, or ultrasonic measurement capabilities that function independently of visual conditions, thereby enabling practical measurement even when pipes are submerged or located in dark manhole environments.
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 safe, reliable, and accurate measurement of lateral pipe diameters without direct access, reducing health risks and improving measurement reliability compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a beam measurement device mounted to the distal member and configured to generate a beam at least a portion of the beam having a first axis essentially perpendicular to the reference point(s), the beam measurement device determining distance data based on the reflection of at least a portion of the beam
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system comprising an elongated member, a distal member connected to an end of the elongated member, the distal member having one or more register members to define a reference point(s), and a beam measurement device mounted to the distal member and configured to generate a beam at least a portion of the beam having a first axis essentially perpendicular to the reference point(s), the beam measurement device determining distance data based on the reflection of at least a portion of the beam.