3D Guided Pipeline Trench Excavation Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline installation methods often result in over-excavation, leading to increased costs and potential pipe stress due to inefficient alignment and excavation processes, which can cause cracks, leaks, or failure during installation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of three-dimensional models for work areas and trenches, allowing for precise alignment and excavation using computer systems and guidance devices to minimize excavation and ensure a proper fit of pipes, with adjustments made based on real-time comparisons between excavated and designed trench positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional pipeline installation methods are used, then installation can proceed without complex modeling and guidance systems, but over-excavation occurs leading to increased costs and potential pipe stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a three-dimensional model of the work area and generating a proposed pipe alignment before excavation begins. The trench design model is prepared in advance with precise specifications, allowing the excavation process to follow a predetermined accurate path, thereby minimizing over-excavation and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback during excavation by determining the position of the work tool and comparing it with the three-dimensional model of the trench. This real-time comparison allows for immediate adjustments to maintain precise alignment and prevent over-excavation, ensuring that the actual excavation matches the planned trench design.
2Reliability
If traditional alignment methods are used, then installation process is simpler, but pipe stress increases due to inefficient alignment causing cracks, leaks, or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a three-dimensional model of the work area and generating a proposed pipe alignment before excavation begins. The trench design model is prepared in advance with precise specifications, allowing the excavation process to follow a predetermined accurate path, thereby minimizing over-excavation and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback during excavation by determining the position of the work tool and comparing it with the three-dimensional model of the trench. This real-time comparison allows for immediate adjustments to maintain precise alignment and prevent over-excavation, ensuring that the actual excavation matches the planned trench design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for installing pipelines are disclosed. The method and system comprise creating a three-dimensional model of a work area, generating a proposed pipe alignment for fitting the pipeline within the work area, creating a three-dimensional model of a trench to be excavated within the work area based on the proposed pipe alignment, excavating the trench with a work tool to conform with the three-dimensional model of the trench, determining the position of the work tool during the excavating step, comparing the determined position of the work tool during the excavating step with the three-dimensional model of the trench to determine any differences between the excavated trench and the three-dimensional model of the trench, and adjusting the proposed pipe alignment to generate an adjusted pipe alignment based on the differences between the excavated trench and the three-dimensional model of the trench.