In-Pipe Drone Mesh Communication and Passing Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe robots face difficulties in passing obstacles and communicating effectively within pipes due to their design, which often requires cumbersome cabling and limits their maneuverability and operational flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A drone system with wheels configured for movement within pipes, equipped with wireless communication and a guide for passing other drones, allowing for wireless communication and formation of a mesh network to relay messages over long distances, and enabling drones to form trains for payload sharing and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If robots are provided with inspection cameras and connected cables for communication, then visual relay and control are achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable connection from the robot system, extracting the communication function from physical wiring. The robot uses wireless communication (RF, optical, or acoustic signals) to transmit data and receive commands, eliminating the need for cables that connect the robot to the surface or other robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with wireless signal transmission. Instead of using physical cables to convey electrical or optical signals, the system uses electromagnetic or acoustic waves to transmit information without mechanical connections.
2Speed
If robots use pitched wheels arranged around circumference to move through pipes, then self-propulsion is achieved, but maneuverability deteriorates as it becomes difficult or impossible to pass other robots or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the robot into multiple independent modular units that can operate separately. Each robot is a self-contained module with its own propulsion system, allowing individual robots to navigate independently through the pipe and pass one another without being constrained by a fixed formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the robot system. Robots can change their operational mode from traveling in a train formation to moving independently when obstacles or other robots are encountered, adapting their behavior and formation based on environmental conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If drones form trains for payload sharing, then resource utilization improves, but device complexity increases due to coupling and synchronization mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple robot functions into integrated payload bays. Instead of separate coupling mechanisms for mechanical connection, electrical connection, and payload transfer, the system uses unified payload bays that can be opened to allow direct transfer of materials and equipment between adjacent robots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal payload bays that can store and transfer multiple types of payloads (materials, equipment, consumables) between robots. The same payload bay structure serves multiple functions: storage, protection, and inter-robot transfer interface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
It is known to deploy robots within pipes in order to carry out investigations for damage, and potentially effect repairs. Such robots may be self-propelled, but in some applications they are controlled via a connected line, conveying electrical or optical signals along a cable, and/or pneumatic or hydraulic pressure via a hose. However, there exist numerous drawbacks with these systems. The present invention provides a drone for use within a pipe (71), the drone comprising: a plurality of wheels (5) configured to enable movement of the drone along a pipe; a payload bay configured to retaining a payload (15) therein; and a wireless communication device configured to enable communication therewith. In this way, the drone may be remotely operated by a user while down a pipe (71), without the need for cumbersome communication cabling.