Remote Pipe Inspection Using Mounted Camera and Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting and repairing defects in underground sanitary sewer pipes are limited by physical constraints, such as camera range and require manual intervention, often missing issues until after they cause infiltration or inflow, leading to increased treatment costs, infrastructure damage, and health hazards.
Innovation Solution
A remote monitoring system with permanently or semi-permanently installed cameras and sensors that wirelessly transmit video and data to a remote computing device, allowing for continuous inspection and defect detection without physical limitations, coupled with a method for tracking pipe junctions and repairing defects using epoxy and UV light for efficient maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional camera inspection methods are used, then the inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the camera range is physically limited by pushrod length or robot cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pushrod or robot cable system with a wireless communication system. The camera is mounted on a housing unit that transmits video signals wirelessly to a receiver, eliminating the physical length constraints of mechanical connection methods while enabling continuous monitoring over extended distances.
2Loss of time
If manual inspection methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but inspection can only occur after someone identifies a potential problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring capability that allows inspection to occur proactively before problems manifest. The permanently mounted camera system continuously captures video signals, enabling early detection of defects such as cracks or blockages before they cause infiltration or inflow issues, rather than waiting for manual inspection triggers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous video signal transmission from the camera to the receiver, providing real-time feedback on pipe conditions. This enables operators to monitor the sanitary sewer system continuously and respond to emerging issues immediately, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that reduces inspection timing delays.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If permanent camera installation is implemented, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The housing unit serves multiple functions: it protects the camera, provides mounting structure, enables wireless signal transmission, and can be installed at various locations in the sanitary sewer system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple components into a single integrated unit.
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 continuous monitoring and early detection of defects, reducing treatment costs, preventing infrastructure damage, and minimizing health hazards by allowing for proactive maintenance and repair of sewer pipes.
Implementation Method 1
A UV light source may be used to cure the epoxy
Data Source
AI summary
Inspecting an interior portion of a pipe system. An imaging device includes a camera that is fixedly attached to an interior surface of a pipe. The camera captures a plurality of images of an interior portion of a pipe. The imaging device is connected to a data communication network and transmits data over the data communication network. The data includes image signals representative of the captured images. A computing device, also connected to the data communication network, receives the data transmitted over the data communication network by the imaging device. The computing device is remotely located with respect to the imaging device.