Pusher Eel Propulsion Drive for Slip-Free Pipe Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the advance of a pusher eel in pipes suffer from inaccuracies due to slippage when wet and mechanical wear from clamping mechanisms, and limited measurement resolution in coded cable systems.
Innovation Solution
A propulsion device with a pair of jaws and drive units that move the pusher eel linearly, using helical gears and spindle nuts to prevent slippage and distribute force evenly, reducing wear and enhancing measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measuring wheels are used to measure distance, then distance measurement is enabled, but the wheels spin freely when the push rod is wet leading to significant measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wheel-based measurement system with an optical measurement system. Optical encoders or laser-based measurement devices are used to measure the distance traveled by the push rod without physical contact, eliminating the slippage problem that occurs with wet cables on mechanical wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement mechanism that does not require direct mechanical contact with the push rod. Instead of wheels contacting the cable, the system uses optical fields or electromagnetic signals as intermediaries to measure displacement, thereby avoiding the harmful effect of moisture on mechanical friction.
2Measurement precision
If the push rod is clamped between two measuring wheels to prevent slippage, then measurement accuracy improves, but the propulsion force increases and mechanical wear of the push rod occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical clamping system entirely by using non-contact optical measurement methods. This substitution removes the source of mechanical wear on the push rod while maintaining accurate distance measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary optical measurement system that measures push rod displacement without applying mechanical force to the rod. This intermediary approach allows accurate tracking of position without the harmful mechanical contact that causes wear.
3Measurement precision
If magnetic codings are used on the cable for length measurement, then length can be measured, but the measurement accuracy is limited by the spacing of the magnetic codings and manufacturing is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic coding system embedded in the cable with an external optical measurement system. This eliminates the need for complex cable manufacturing processes while providing continuous, high-resolution measurement capability without the limitations of discrete magnetic markers.
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 solution significantly reduces slippage and mechanical wear, enabling precise measurement of the pusher eel's advance even in damp environments, with improved accuracy and reduced wear on the eel.
Implementation Method 1
at least one drive unit has a first screw drive with a first threaded spindle
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~3(b)
Figure 4(a)~4(b)
AI summary
A propulsion device for linearly moving a slide eel (40) of an inspection system is provided, comprising at least one drive unit (21, 31) for linearly moving the slide eel (40), wherein the drive unit (21; 31) has at least one propulsion element (80) designed as a chain or toothed belt, which is coupled to a drive device (81), and wherein a propulsion of the propulsion element (80) causes the linear movement of the slide eel (40).