Pyrometer-Based Sewer Inspection Temperature Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sewer inspection systems face inaccuracies in temperature measurement due to air flow and system temperature disturbances, making it difficult to obtain reliable temperature profiles within conduits.

Innovation Solution

A sewer inspection system equipped with a contact-free pyrometer using an infra-red temperature sensor that measures the surface temperature of conduit walls, independent of ambient conditions, allowing for distortion-free measurements and operation in wet environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a temperature measurement device is used to measure the temperature in the interior of the conduit, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the measurement is inaccurate due to air flow and system temperature disturbances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidair flow disturbance

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based temperature measurement (mechanical/physical contact with air) with contact-free optical measurement using a pyrometer. The pyrometer measures infrared radiation emitted by the conduit wall to determine surface temperature, eliminating the harmful effect of air flow on measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces infrared radiation as an intermediary carrier of temperature information. Instead of measuring air temperature directly, the pyrometer detects infrared radiation emitted by the conduit wall, which serves as a reliable intermediary that is not affected by air flow disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the inspection system operates for extended periods, then inspection coverage increases, but system temperature increases continuously distorting temperature measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection coverageVSAvoidsystem temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces contact-based temperature sensing with contact-free optical measurement. The pyrometer measures infrared radiation from the conduit wall without being influenced by the inspection system's own temperature, allowing extended operation without measurement distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the temperature measurement function from the inspection system's internal environment. By measuring infrared radiation from the conduit wall externally, the system separates temperature measurement from the internal system temperature that increases during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If contact-free pyrometer measurement is used, then measurement accuracy is improved by eliminating air flow disturbances, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pyrometer into the existing inspection system, allowing it to perform both visual inspection and temperature measurement functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices and minimizes overall system complexity despite the advanced measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the pyrometer with the inspection system's existing structure and control mechanisms. By merging the temperature measurement device with the inspection carriage and integrating its operation with the existing inspection workflow, the patent reduces operational complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accurate and disturbance-free temperature measurement of conduit walls, reducing the influence of air flows and system temperature, and allowing for rapid and reliable generation of temperature profiles.

Implementation Method 1

a pyrometer for contact-free measurement of a surface temperature of an object, in particular, a conduit wall... The pyrometer may comprise an infra-red temperature sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfra-red radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS9482582B2Inspection system with temperature measurement device

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 IPEK INT

AI summary

An inspection system, in particular, a sewer inspection system is provided, comprising a temperature measurement device, whereby the temperature measurement device is a pyrometer for contact-free measurement of a surface temperature of an object, in particular, a pipe wall. Advantageously, the pyrometer is configured as an infra-red temperature sensor.