Robotic Polymer Layering for Non-Trenching Pipeline Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Protecting underground assets like pipelines from above-ground impact damage without invasive trenching and back-filling is challenging, as it poses risks to the integrity of the pipelines and can lead to health, safety, and environmental issues due to potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A robotic subsurface impact protection system that uses a self-contained robotic vehicle equipped with a ripper assembly, ground-penetrating radar, and a computerized control system to inject molten polymer at a desired depth, creating a protective polymer layer above the underground structure, thereby shielding it from impact damage without the need for trenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional trenching and back-filling methods are used to protect underground pipelines, then the pipelines can be protected from impact damage, but the process becomes invasive and time-consuming with potential health, safety, and environmental risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical trenching and back-filling system with a robotic vehicle that deposits protective material through a delivery mechanism. The robotic system uses controlled material deposition instead of extensive earth moving, substituting invasive mechanical excavation with a less disruptive material application process that achieves the same protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a robotic vehicle as an intermediary between the protective material and the underground pipeline. This intermediary delivers the protective material precisely to the required location without requiring direct human access through trenches, thereby reducing invasiveness while maintaining protection integrity.
2Reliability
If trenching is performed to install protective structures around pipelines, then protection is achieved, but the process causes loss of time and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic vehicle performs continuous protective material deposition as it moves along the pipeline corridor, eliminating the discontinuous and time-consuming steps of trenching, installing protection, and back-filling. The continuous delivery mechanism applies protective material in real-time along the pipeline path, significantly reducing total installation time while maintaining effective protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If above-ground construction activities encroach on pipeline corridors, then development needs are met, but the risk of impact damage to pipelines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective material deposition on the pipeline before above-ground construction activities begin. By pre-installing the protective layer through the robotic vehicle, the pipeline is prepared in advance to withstand subsequent encroachment and potential impacts from construction equipment, thereby allowing land use flexibility while mitigating damage risk.
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 system effectively protects underground structures by forming a continuous or semi-continuous polymer layer that shields them from above-ground impacts, reducing the risk of leaks and environmental hazards while minimizing the need for invasive procedures and lowering carbon footprint.
Implementation Method 1
a ground penetrating radar (GPR) configured to locate and measure a depth of the underground structure below the ground during the fabricating of the polymer layer
Implementation Method 2
fabricating a subsurface polymer layer to protect an underground structure
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic vehicle for moving above ground while fabricating a subsurface polymer layer to protect an underground structure is provided. The robotic vehicle includes: a body; a rotational member that contacts the ground and moves the body over the ground; a ripper assembly having a proximal end that moves with the body, and a distal end that moves underground at a fabrication depth in response to the movement of the proximal end while fabricating the polymer layer; a ground penetrating radar (GPR) that locates and measures a depth of the underground structure below the ground; and a computerized control system that controls the rotational member, the distal end of the ripper assembly, and the GPR to move the body over the located underground structure while tracking the location of the underground structure and fabricating the polymer layer at the fabrication depth and above the measured depth of the underground structure.