Push-Cable Jetter with Integrated Camera for Pipe Obstruction Removal
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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 visualizing pipe interiors during cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A push-cable system with a central channel for pressurized fluid transmission, equipped with a helically wrapped stiffening structure, a jetter nozzle for controlled fluid flow, and a camera assembly with adjustable lighting and imaging sensors, allowing for simultaneous cleaning and visualization of pipe interiors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a push-cable system is used for pipe inspection, then imaging capability is provided, but the ability to deploy high-pressure fluid for obstruction removal is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a push-cable inspection system with a jetter nozzle system into a single integrated apparatus. The push-cable provides imaging capability while the jetter nozzle delivers high-pressure fluid for obstruction removal. This merging of functions allows simultaneous inspection and cleaning operations, resolving the contradiction between providing imaging capability and maintaining effective obstruction removal efficiency.
2Productivity
If high-pressure fluid jetting is used to clear obstructions, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the ability to combine imaging and visualization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a camera assembly with the jetter nozzle apparatus. The camera assembly includes imaging sensors and adjustable lighting that work simultaneously with the high-pressure fluid jetting system. This allows real-time visualization of the cleaning process and pipe interior conditions while maintaining effective obstruction removal, resolving the contradiction between cleaning effectiveness and imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The jetter nozzle apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: high-pressure fluid jetting for obstruction removal, imaging through the camera assembly, and illumination through adjustable lighting. This multi-functional design allows the single apparatus to simultaneously achieve cleaning effectiveness and provide comprehensive imaging and visualization capabilities.
3Productivity
If a nozzle is fixed to the push-cable for fluid jetting, then obstruction clearing capability is improved, but adaptability for varied applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with adjustable and interchangeable features. The lighting system has adjustable intensity and direction, and the nozzle itself can be configured or replaced based on specific application requirements. This dynamic design allows the apparatus to adapt to different pipe conditions and obstruction types while maintaining effective clearing capability, resolving the contradiction between obstruction clearing performance and adaptability for varied applications.
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 removal of obstructions within pipes using high-pressure fluid while providing real-time imaging and adaptability in nozzle configuration for varied applications, enhancing the effectiveness of pipe inspection and cleaning processes.
Implementation Method 1
a push-cable having a central channel suitable for transmitting fluid under pressure
Implementation Method 2
the central channel is wrapped with a helix of stiffening rods or other stiffening structures
Implementation Method 3
A nozzle to control the flow of pressurized fluid may be fixed, either removably or permanently, to the end of the push cable to allow the pressurized fluid to be jetted from the central channel
Implementation Method 4
a camera assembly having one or more camera and/or light source elements may be mounted on a segment of the push-cable to observe the work area
Data Source
AI summary
Pipe inspection and pressurized fluid cleaning methods and apparatus are disclosed. A method of fluid output from a jetter push-cable device may include providing high pressure fluid from a push-cable apparatus via one or more jetter outputs. A camera assembly, which may include lighting elements, may be further included in the push-cable device for imaging during inspection or jetter cleaning of an obstruction in a pipe or other cavity.