Pipe Direction and Size Indicator for Camera Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection camera systems struggle to accurately determine the flow direction and size of pipes, especially in pressure piping and non-gravity systems, as self-leveling lenses only indicate flow direction for gravity piping, making it difficult for operators to discern pipe orientation.
Innovation Solution
A pipe direction and size indicator system comprising an adapter member, extension member, and indicator member, where the indicator member is securely attached to a camera and can freely rotate, swivel, and move, allowing operators to determine flow direction and pipe size by observing its positioning affected by gravity, with the indicator member's size aiding in pipe sizing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If self-leveling lenses are used in pipe inspection cameras, then the bottom of the pipe can be shown, but flow direction cannot be determined for pressure piping and non-gravity systems
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator assembly is segmented into separate functional components: an adapter member for camera attachment, an extension member for positioning, and a freely rotating indicator member for flow direction indication. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the system to work for both gravity and pressure piping systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member serves multiple functions: it indicates flow direction by aligning with gravity, provides visual reference for camera orientation, and helps operators determine pipe characteristics. This multi-functional design makes the system universally applicable to both gravity-driven and pressure-driven piping systems, resolving the limitation of self-leveling lenses.
2Productivity
If pipe inspection cameras are used, then pipe inspection can be performed, but flow direction becomes difficult to track
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator member acts as an intermediary between the camera system and the operator, providing visual information about flow direction without interfering with the camera's primary inspection function. The indicator member's gravity-aligned orientation serves as a visual mediator that communicates pipe flow characteristics to the operator while the camera captures pipe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator member can be designed with contrasting colors or visual markers that are easily distinguishable against the pipe background. This visual enhancement ensures that the flow direction information remains clearly visible to operators throughout the inspection process, preventing loss of directional information even in complex lighting conditions.
3Measurement precision
If an indicator system is added to the camera, then flow direction can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator member is designed to be self-aligning through gravity, automatically indicating flow direction without requiring power sources, motors, or complex control systems. This passive, self-service mechanism adds minimal complexity to the camera system while providing reliable flow direction information throughout the inspection.
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 accurate determination of pipe flow direction and size during inspections, improving operational efficiency by providing clear visual cues for camera operators, particularly in complex piping systems.
Implementation Method 1
By observing the positioning of the indicator member, which will be freely affected by gravity, an operator of the present invention may determine the directional flow of a pipe being inspected.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe direction and size indicator which may be attached to a pipe inspection camera for use in determining the flow direction and size of a pipe. The pipe direction and size indicator generally includes an adapter member, extension member and indicator member. The adapter member is adapted to be removably attached to a camera. The extension member is removably secured to the adapter member by a threaded connection. The outer end of the extension member includes an indicator member which is attached thereto and allows the indicator member to freely rotate, swivel and move about the extension member. By observing the positioning of the indicator member, which will be freely affected by gravity, an operator of the present invention may determine the directional flow of a pipe being inspected. Further, by accounting for the size of the indicator member, the size of the pipe may also be determined.