Remote Cutter Path Planning for Precise Pipe Liner Reopening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting and performing operations within enclosed or dangerous spaces, such as water and sewer pipes, are inefficient and prone to errors due to reliance on human intervention and the inability to accurately correlate data from various sensors.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system equipped with multiple sensors, including cameras, infrared recognizers, LIDAR, and motion sensors, that creates a digital map of the environment and uses artificial intelligence to navigate and perform tasks, such as cutting through liners, with high accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional techniques with human intervention are used to detect features and defects in pipelines, then the process is simple to implement, but it is susceptible to errors and lacks efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated detection and mapping of pipeline features without continuous human intervention. The robotic device autonomously navigates the pipeline, captures sensor data, and generates digital maps, allowing the system to serve itself in the inspection process while improving both efficiency and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspection methods are replaced with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors. The robotic device substitutes human operators in confined pipeline spaces, using electronic sensing and computational processing to detect features and defects, thereby eliminating human error and improving detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to scan the environment, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to correlate disjointed data sets remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges data from multiple sensors (visual cameras, infrared cameras, LIDAR, motion sensors) into a unified digital map. By integrating these previously disjointed data sets into a single coherent representation of the pipeline environment, the system preserves all measurement precision while eliminating data correlation losses
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic device performs multiple functions with a single integrated system: it navigates autonomously, captures visual and thermal data, measures distances and positions, and generates comprehensive digital maps. This multi-functional approach ensures all sensor data are collected and correlated within a single system framework
3Reliability
If a robotic system with multiple sensors and digital mapping is implemented, then inspection accuracy and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a nested structure where multiple sensors and subsystems are integrated within a compact robotic platform. The robotic device houses motion sensors, visual cameras, infrared cameras, and processing units in a hierarchical arrangement, allowing complex functionality to be contained within a manageable form factor that can navigate pipeline confines
Solution Approach 2:
A central processing system acts as an intermediary that coordinates all sensors and subsystems. This mediator integrates data from multiple sources, manages autonomous navigation, and generates digital maps, thereby managing system complexity through centralized control while maintaining high reliability and safety
4Manufacturing precision
If automated cutting path computation is used to re-establish fluid communication, then operational precision is improved, but the complexity of the cutting operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system computes the cutting path in advance based on the digital map and identified service locations. By performing the path planning and calculation before the actual cutting operation, the system establishes precise cutting parameters and sequences, thereby achieving high cutting precision while managing operational complexity through pre-computation
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 robotic system enables precise and efficient inspection and operation within enclosed spaces by providing accurate digital maps and automated task execution, reducing human error and increasing safety.
Implementation Method 1
The robot is equipped with a plurality of sensors, including, but not limited to, LIDAR
Implementation Method 2
Other systems utilize infrared cameras to detect temperature variations within the scanned environment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for using a remote cutter to make cuts, for example in a pipe liner. An automated cutting path is computed for a cutting tool as a function of shape and position data relating to an opening of the branch conduit into the main pipe. The cutting tool is moved along the computed cutting path to cut the liner for reestablishing fluid communication between a branch conduit extending from a host pipe and the lined main pipe.