Underground Pipe Inspection Onboard Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground-penetrating radar (GPR) systems for underground conduit inspection face challenges in efficiently collecting and transmitting data over long distances, leading to cumbersome cabling and reduced inspection capabilities due to the need for real-time, continuous data transmission, which hinders the movement and effectiveness of inspection devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a data acquisition subsystem with GPR antennas and cameras, where the majority of the data is stored on-board within the conduit using a data storage subsystem, allowing for wireless accessibility and transmission of only a portion of the data to the surface, enabling longer inspection lengths and reduced cabling requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If real-time continuous data transmission is implemented, then data availability is improved, but device complexity and cabling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data storage function from the surface system and places it within the inspection device itself. The onboard storage subsystem captures and stores inspection data locally, separating the storage function from continuous transmission requirements, thereby reducing cabling complexity while maintaining data availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection data is preliminarily captured and stored onboard during the inspection process itself, rather than requiring continuous transmission to the surface. This preliminary action of storing data within the conduit eliminates the need for bulky real-time transmission cabling while ensuring data is preserved for later retrieval and analysis.
2Length of stationary object
If data is stored onboard within the conduit, then inspection length is extended, but data transmission requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The data management system is segmented into two distinct parts: onboard storage within the inspection device and surface-based retrieval/analysis systems. This segmentation allows the device to operate independently over long distances within the conduit, extending inspection length, while data transmission occurs only when needed at the surface, simplifying operational requirements.
3Loss of information
If continuous data transmission is required, then real-time monitoring is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous data transmission, the system employs periodic action by storing data onboard during inspection and transmitting it intermittently when the device surfaces or at scheduled intervals. This periodic transmission approach maintains real-time monitoring capability through onboard storage while dramatically reducing energy consumption compared to continuous transmission.
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
This approach allows for more extensive and efficient underground conduit inspections by reducing the burden of continuous data transmission, enabling the inspection of longer conduit lengths with lighter, less bulky cabling and providing access to stored data post-inspection for detailed analysis.
Implementation Method 1
GPR operates on the principle of transmission, reflection, and detection of short duration electromagnetic pulses from a transducer
Implementation Method 2
GPR operates on the principle of transmission, reflection, and detection of short duration electromagnetic pulses
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inspecting an underground conduit from within comprises a data acquisition subsystem configured to be placed within the conduit and to move along at least a portion of the conduit to obtain data regarding the conduit. The system comprises a data storage subsystem configured to be placed within the conduit and to move along the conduit. The data storage subsystem receives and stores at least a portion of the data from the data acquisition subsystem for retrieval after the data acquisition subsystem has moved along the conduit.