Modular Pipeline Sensor Probe for Bend Navigation and Accurate Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping and inspecting underground pipeline infrastructures face challenges such as inaccurate positioning data, inability to verify mapped conduits, and limitations in handling live pipelines due to soil conditions and pipe material, with existing solutions often requiring expensive equipment and being restricted to out-of-service pipelines.
Innovation Solution
A modular sensor probe system with flexible connections, including springs and chains, that can navigate sharp turns and maintain data accuracy by counteracting torsion and maintaining a natural state, allowing for geospatial data collection in live pipelines while being capable of withstanding tensile loads and adapting to different measurement situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid sensor probe is used to maintain structural integrity and data accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the device cannot navigate pipeline bends and adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor probe is divided into multiple modular segments connected by flexible joints. Each segment can be independently positioned while maintaining overall probe integrity, allowing the probe to bend around pipeline curves while keeping sensor modules stable for accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates dynamic flexible connections between rigid segments, allowing the structure to adapt its shape in response to pipeline geometry. The flexible joints enable the probe to transition from straight to bent configurations while maintaining sensor stability during measurement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible sensor probe is used to navigate pipeline bends, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and data accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The probe consists of rigid modular segments that maintain structural integrity, connected by flexible joints that provide adaptability. This segmentation allows the probe to bend around curves while keeping sensor-bearing segments rigid and stable for accurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the probe have different properties: rigid segments where sensors are mounted for measurement stability, and flexible connections where bending is required for adaptability. This local differentiation of rigidity and flexibility resolves the contradiction between structural integrity and bend navigation.
3Reliability
If expensive launching and retrieving equipment is used for in-line robots, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor probe is designed to be self-propelled or easily deployable through the pipeline using existing pipeline infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive external launching and retrieving equipment. The probe enters and exits the pipeline autonomously or with minimal assistance.
4Ease of operation
If surface mapping methods are used to locate pipelines, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and verification capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mapping from the surface, the sensor probe acts as an intermediary by traveling directly through the pipeline to collect internal geospatial data. This direct internal measurement approach provides verified accurate location information while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 system enhances data accuracy and flexibility, enabling the mapping and inspection of live pipelines with improved tensile load-bearing capacity and accuracy, particularly in navigating sharp turns and maintaining data integrity during traversal.
Implementation Method 1
each flexible connection may comprise a spring configured for straightening the sensor probe
Implementation Method 2
a flexible element mounted on the inside of the spring configured for bearing a predefined tensile load
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for mapping and/or inspecting an underground pipeline infrastructure. The system comprises a sensor probe for collecting geospatial data while travelling through a pipeline of the pipeline infrastructure, and a driving mechanism for driving the sensor probe. The sensor probe comprises a train of at least two modules of which a first module contains a sensor pay load for collecting said geospatial data and a second module is provided for connecting the sensor probe to the driving mechanism, wherein successive modules of said train are connected to each other by means of a flexible connection which allows the sensor probe to travel through pipeline bends, wherein each flexible connection comprises a spring configured for straightening the sensor probe and a flexible element mounted on the inside of the spring configured for bearing a predefined tensile load.