Robotic Geological Core Inspection System for Remote Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional geological core laboratory systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately assessing core samples due to physical crowding and the need for on-site personnel, which limits real-time, remote, and collaborative inspection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A robotic geological core inspection system comprising a robotic positioning system, core sample sensing system, core sample interaction system, and control/communications system, enabling real-time, remote-controlled, and interactive assessment of core samples with features like imaging, substance application, and scoring, allowing for remote operation and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If geologists physically inspect core samples on-site in the laboratory, then assessment accuracy is improved, but physical overcrowding and difficulty in accessing samples worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual 3D copies of physical core samples through photogrammetry and point cloud generation. These digital replicas can be viewed, measured, and analyzed remotely without physical contact, solving both the overcrowding problem and maintaining assessment accuracy through high-resolution digital representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital model as an intermediary between the physical core sample and the geologist. This virtual representation serves as a mediator that allows remote access and detailed inspection without requiring physical presence in the crowded laboratory space.
2Measurement precision
If geologists travel to the laboratory for inspection, then on-site assessment is improved, but travel costs and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By creating accurate digital copies of core samples, the system enables remote geologists to conduct assessments from any location without traveling to the laboratory, eliminating travel time and costs while maintaining assessment quality through high-fidelity digital models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical travel with a digital information transmission system. Instead of moving people to the samples, the system transmits digital representations of samples to remote users, substituting physical displacement with data communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple personnel and equipment are present in the laboratory, then comprehensive assessment is improved, but physical crowding and efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the assessment process from physical space to digital space, adding a virtual dimension to the inspection process. Multiple users can simultaneously access and interact with digital models online, eliminating physical crowding while maintaining comprehensive assessment capabilities through collaborative digital environments.
Solution Approach 2:
By replicating the core samples in digital form, the system allows unlimited concurrent access by multiple personnel simultaneously, whereas physical samples can only accommodate limited numbers of people and equipment in the crowded laboratory space.
4Measurement precision
If traditional on-site inspection methods are used, then direct sample observation is improved, but remote collaboration and real-time inspection worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital replicas that can be accessed remotely by any number of users simultaneously, enabling direct observation accuracy to be maintained while remote collaboration becomes possible through online access to virtual models.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital model acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between physical samples and remote users, enabling real-time collaboration and inspection from any location while preserving the ability to directly observe and analyze sample characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A geological core inspection system that includes a table to support core samples for inspection, a robotic geological core inspection system including a core sample sensing system to acquire sample inspection data (including an imaging sensor and a core sample position sensor), a core sample interaction system (including a dispensing system and a scoring system), and a robotic positioning system, and a control and communications system to provide for remote control of the core sample sensing system. The system further including a remote geological core inspection system to receive and communicate remote commands specifying requested operations of the robotic geological core inspection system (the control and communications system adapted to control operation of the core sample sensing system in response to the remote commands to perform the requested operations) and receive and present core data.