Autonomous Pipe Inspection Robot With In-Pipe Docking Recharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aging drinking water infrastructure faces challenges in pipeline inspection and maintenance due to limited visibility, high costs, and inefficient deployment and retrieval of inspection robots, leading to costly emergency recoveries and reactive solutions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous underwater robotic (AUR) vehicle and a Home Docking Station (HDS) system that integrates with existing pipelines for enhanced data acquisition and real-time infrastructure assessment, featuring propulsion systems, sensors, navigation, and inductive charging, along with an Auxiliary In-System Docking Station (AISDS) for continuous power and data transfer within the pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pipeline inspection methods are used, then infrastructure assessment can be performed, but the cost is prohibitively high and visibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection systems with autonomous robotic units that navigate pipelines autonomously. These AURs use sensors, cameras, and onboard processors to inspect infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive human-diver operations or complex mechanical retrieval systems while providing continuous, high-resolution data collection throughout the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The AURs are equipped with self-contained power sources (rechargeable batteries), propulsion systems, and navigation capabilities that allow them to operate independently for extended periods. The units can autonomously navigate to docking stations for recharging and data transfer, then continue inspections without human intervention, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining high assessment quality.
2Productivity
If inspection robots are deployed traditionally, then data collection is possible, but deployment and retrieval are inefficient and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into multiple autonomous robotic units that can operate independently and simultaneously in different pipeline sections. Each AUR is a self-contained module with its own power, propulsion, and data collection systems, allowing parallel deployment across multiple inspection zones without requiring coordinated retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces autonomous docking stations positioned at strategic locations within the pipeline system. These stations serve as intermediaries that automatically recharge AURs and transfer collected data to external systems. This eliminates the need for complex manual retrieval operations, as AURs autonomously return to docking stations throughout their operational cycle, continuously transferring data without interrupting inspection activities.
3Loss of information
If continuous inspection is performed, then near real-time asset visibility is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic operation cycle where AURs alternate between active inspection phases and recharging phases at autonomous docking stations. The units collect data continuously during inspection segments, then autonomously navigate to docking stations to recharge batteries and transfer data batches. This periodic pattern allows near-continuous asset visibility across the entire pipeline network through multiple AURs while managing individual unit power consumption through structured rest and recharge intervals.
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
Provides near real-time asset visibility, reduces costs, and enables predictive maintenance by allowing extended, uninterrupted inspections with enhanced mobility and data integration, optimizing infrastructure management.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive charging platform configured for providing power required to recharge AUR batteries
Implementation Method 2
an internal magnetic capture mechanism configured to align and secure the AUR upon re-entry onto an HDS-pipe junction
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous underwater robotic (AUR) vehicle for use in pipe inspection including (a) a main body configured for housing a controller coupled to one or more sensors; (b) a propulsion system having one or more thrusters configured for propelling the AUR vehicle through a target system; (c) a rechargeable power source provided in the main body and coupled to the controller; (d) a data storage module coupled to the one or more sensors configured for storing and transmitting any acquired data from the one or more sensors; (e) at least one camera configured for capturing images; and (f) a navigation system configured to direct the AUR vehicle and finding a docking station for data transfer and power recharge.