Push-Cable Camera Jetter for Simultaneous Pipe Cleaning and Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipe inspection and cleaning systems are limited in their ability to deploy high-pressure fluid for obstruction removal and combine imaging with fluid jetting, lacking effective solutions for clearing obstructions and visualizing pipe interiors simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid cleaning system with a camera assembly and interchangeable nozzles, including cutting elements, mounted on a push-cable that allows for automatic or manual control, enabling visualization and obstruction removal within pipes using pressurized fluid jetting and cutting tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current pipe clearing systems are used, then they can remove obstructions, but they are limited in their ability to deploy high pressure fluid and combine imaging with fluid jetting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a video camera head, light source, and high-pressure fluid jetting nozzle into a single integrated push-cable assembly. This merging of imaging and cleaning functions into one device allows simultaneous visualization and obstruction removal without requiring separate systems, directly resolving the limitation of current pipe clearing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-cable assembly serves multiple functions: it provides video imaging through the camera head, delivers high-pressure fluid through the nozzle for obstruction clearing, and includes light sources for illumination. This multi-functional design enables a single device to perform both inspection and cleaning tasks that previously required separate systems.
2Loss of information
If a camera assembly is mounted on a push-cable for imaging, then visualization of pipe interior is achieved, but the ability to clear obstructions simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera assembly and jetting nozzle are merged into a single integrated unit on the push-cable. This allows the operator to simultaneously visualize the pipe interior via the camera while the nozzle clears obstructions in real-time, eliminating the need for separate imaging and cleaning operations and significantly improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables continuous simultaneous operation of imaging and obstruction removal. As the push-cable advances through the pipe, the camera continuously captures video while the nozzle continuously jets fluid to clear obstructions, maintaining both functions throughout the entire operation without interruption or sequential execution.
3Force
If high pressure fluid jetting is used to clear obstructions, then obstruction removal capability is improved, but the ability to deploy imaging and combine features is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The high-pressure fluid jetting nozzle is integrated with the camera assembly on the same push-cable. This merging allows the system to deliver high-force fluid jetting for effective obstruction clearing while simultaneously providing imaging capabilities, overcoming the limitation of systems that could only perform one function at a time.
Solution Approach 2:
The push-cable is designed as a modular segmented system where the camera head, light sources, and nozzle are distinct functional segments assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function (high-pressure jetting, imaging, illumination) while being integrated into a unified system that provides both obstruction clearing and visualization capabilities.
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 obstruction removal and simultaneous imaging within pipes, improving the effectiveness of pipe inspection and cleaning processes by combining high-pressure fluid jetting with visualization capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
apparatus and systems for clearing obstructions in pipes using pressurized fluid jetting
Implementation Method 2
Current pipe clearing systems, however, are limited in their ability to deploy high pressure fluid to clear obstructions
Implementation Method 3
video camera head at the end of a cable that is manually forced down the pipe to display the pipe interior on a video display
Implementation Method 4
camera assembly having one or more camera and/or light source elements
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe inspection systems including a push-cable, jetter, and camera assembly are disclosed. A jetter nozzle may be configured to spin and/or propel the camera head within a pipe or other cavity. A cutter line may be attached to the camera head to clean obstructions. A sonde may be coupled to a camera head to generate magnetic field signals for use with a buried utility locator to locate a pipe or other cavity into which the camera head is deployed.