Pipeline Inspection Robot With Adjustable Radar for Cavity Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pipeline radar and television inspection robots face challenges in accurately inspecting underground drainage pipes due to environmental disturbances, such as changing humidity affecting permittivity, which compromises the accuracy of ground penetrating radars and fails to detect loose earth and cavities formed by water leakage.
Innovation Solution
A modular pipeline radar and television inspection robot with adjustable cameras and radar, equipped with a directional drilling lifting, rotary, and swing device, along with a pressure sensor and tilt sensor, allowing it to operate in complex environments and maintain accuracy by adjusting its position and detecting air pressure and inclination, while preventing obstacles and ensuring safety with a safety ring and cable clamp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground penetrating radars are used to inspect underground pipelines, then the inspection can be performed, but the accuracy is compromised due to environmental disturbances such as changing humidity affecting permittivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary environment (the pipeline interior) where the radar inspection is performed. By entering the pipeline through a drill hole and operating inside it, the radar is shielded from external environmental disturbances such as humidity changes, temperature variations, and ground conditions. This intermediary space provides a stable environment for accurate radar measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional ground-based mechanical radar inspection system with a robot-based system that enters the pipeline. This substitution allows the radar to be positioned inside the pipeline rather than scanning from the ground surface, eliminating the harmful effects of ground environmental factors on measurement accuracy.
2Loss of information
If conventional pipeline inspection robots are used, then structural defects can be detected, but they cannot detect outside environment conditions such as loose earth and cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal inspection system that can perform multiple functions: detecting structural defects inside the pipeline, identifying outside environment conditions (loose earth, cavities), and adapting to various pipeline conditions. The robot is equipped with both radar for structural inspection and cameras for environmental observation, enabling it to comprehensively assess both internal and external pipeline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through adjustable radar and camera systems mounted on the robot. These components can be adjusted in position and orientation to optimize detection of different defect types and environmental conditions. The robot can adapt its detection parameters based on the specific inspection requirements and observed conditions within the pipeline.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed camera and radar systems are used on the robot, then the structure is simpler, but the robot cannot operate in complicated environments or adjust to different inspection needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection system into modular segments: the robot body, adjustable radar system, camera system, and control unit. Each component can be independently adjusted or reconfigured. The radar and camera are mounted on adjustable platforms that can be positioned and oriented separately, allowing flexible adaptation to different inspection scenarios without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability of the radar and camera systems. These components can be moved, rotated, and repositioned during operation to adapt to different inspection angles and requirements. The adjustable mounting mechanisms allow the system to respond dynamically to complicated environmental conditions while maintaining manageable structural complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
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
The robot can accurately inspect pipelines with diameters of at least DN300 mm, navigate obstacles, and maintain safety by adjusting its position and detecting air pressure, ensuring effective defect detection and preventing damage or communication interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The ground penetrating radars adopt high frequency radio to inspect the distribution pattern inside the media. The ground penetrating radars decide the compositions of the media by the way the electromagnetic pulse propagating in the media.
Implementation Method 2
equipped with a directional drilling lifting, rotary, and swing device, along with a pressure sensor and tilt sensor
Implementation Method 3
allowing it to operate in complex environments and maintain accuracy by adjusting its position and detecting air pressure and inclination
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a pipeline radar and television inspection robot which includes a robot body, a directional drilling lifting device, a directional drilling rotary device, a directional drilling swing device, a radar, cameras and a driving apparatus; wherein the directional drilling lifting device is on a front part of the robot body; the directional drilling rotary device is on the directional drilling lifting device; the directional drilling swing device is on the directional drilling rotary device; the radar and the cameras are on the directional drilling swing device; the driving apparatus are on a bottom of the robot body. The directional drilling lifting device, the radar and the cameras are plugged in the robot body. The robot body electrically connects to cables which electrically connect to a control system. The cameras and the radar are able to be adjusted and the components are connected as modules.