Pipeline Inspection Robot with Magnetic Adhesion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipeline inspection robots struggle with navigating complex pipe structures with varying diameters, inclinations, and internal obstacles, such as bends and fittings, due to limited mobility and adaptability, especially in narrow environments with abrupt diameter changes.

Innovation Solution

A mobile robot equipped with a tracked drive system and swiveling magnetic roller means for magnetic adhesion, allowing it to traverse pipelines with any inclination and climb vertical segments, combined with a streamlined aerofoil shape for secure contact and independent track control for navigating bends, and optionally used in systems of multiple robots for coordinated inspection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wheel-type or caterpillar-type robots are used for pipeline inspection, then they can navigate through pipelines, but they fail to climb vertical segments and handle abrupt diameter changes effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to navigate complex pipe structures with varying diameters and inclinationsVSAvoidmobility capability in challenging environments

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical wheel or caterpillar drive systems with a magnetic adhesion system. The robot uses magnetic forces to adhere to the pipeline wall, enabling it to climb vertical segments and navigate complex geometries without relying on friction-based mechanical contact. This substitution of mechanical propulsion with magnetic attachment fundamentally resolves the inability of traditional robots to handle vertical and abrupt diameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental interaction parameter between the robot and pipeline wall from friction-based mechanical contact to magnetic adhesion. By utilizing magnetic force as the primary attachment mechanism, the robot can maintain reliable contact with the pipeline wall regardless of inclination angle or diameter changes, thereby improving adaptability and mobility in challenging environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pigs are used for pipeline inspection, then they can be pushed by pressure-driven flow, but they cannot be used in pipelines with insufficient flow or multi-diameters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiency using pressure-driven flowVSAvoidapplicability to various pipeline conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pressure-driven flow propulsion system used by traditional pigs with a magnetic adhesion-based locomotion system. The robot uses magnetic forces to attach to and move along the pipeline wall independently of the fluid flow, enabling it to operate in pipelines with insufficient flow, varying diameters, and complex geometries where pigs cannot function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs a universal robot platform that can operate in diverse pipeline conditions including vertical segments, bends, abrupt diameter changes, and varying flow conditions. The magnetic adhesion system provides universal applicability across different pipeline configurations, eliminating the limitations of flow-dependent pig systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If complex mechanics are used to achieve climbing ability, then the robot can navigate challenging environments, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobility in challenging pipe environmentsVSAvoidmechanical complexity of climbing systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical climbing mechanisms with a simpler magnetic adhesion system. Instead of using intricate mechanical structures to achieve attachment and propulsion, the robot utilizes magnetic forces that naturally provide strong adhesion to the ferromagnetic pipeline wall, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while enhancing mobility capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and secure traversal of complex pipelines, including vertical segments and obstacles, with enhanced mobility and inspection capabilities, ensuring comprehensive interior surface coverage and resistance to failure through coordinated robotic systems.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic means for generating a magnetic adhesion force between the robot and an internal wall of the pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic adhesion force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

streamlined aerofoil shape for secure contact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerofoil: Aerofoil

Data Source

PatentEP3377799B1Pipeline inspection robot

Publication Date: 2020.10.07 NATIONAL GRID GAS PLC

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AI summary

The present invention provides a robot which is suitable for travel through a pipeline. The inventive robot comprises at least one tracked drive means and at least one roller means that can swivel about an axis substantially normal to a rolling axis thereof, wherein said at least one tracked drive means and at least one roller means are provided with magnetic means for generating a magnetic adhesion force between the robot and an internal wall of the pipeline.