Rotatable Triangulation Sensor Array for Pipeline Contour Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for inspecting pipeline interiors by contactless optical triangulation are imprecise and time-consuming, requiring complex motor-driven articulation and lengthy image evaluation processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple rotatable triangulation sensors or light section sensors, arranged to cover the interior pipe wall simultaneously, emitting laser beams perpendicular to the axis of rotation, allowing for precise geometric scanning and measurement, and compensating for mechanical deviations like tilting and wobbling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single triangulation sensor is used on a movable platform, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision and coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent triangulation sensors (at least two) arranged around the common axis of rotation. Each sensor independently measures a portion of the pipe interior contour, and their data are combined to achieve complete, high-precision coverage of the entire cross-section without requiring a single complex sensor
2Productivity
If a tilted pivoting head with motor-driven articulation is used, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity and measurement time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The complex motor-driven articulation mechanism is extracted and replaced by a simple common axis of rotation. The triangulation sensors are arranged around this axis and rotate together as a unified assembly, eliminating the need for individual motor control of each sensor while maintaining complete measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple triangulation sensors are merged into a single rotatable assembly that rotates around a common axis. This unified structure allows all sensors to measure simultaneously during one rotation, dramatically improving measurement speed while reducing mechanical complexity compared to individual articulated sensors
3Measurement precision
If offline image evaluation with estimated dimensions is used, then the evaluation process is simple, but the information value and measurement precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The manual offline image evaluation process is replaced by an automated optical measurement system using triangulation sensors. The system directly calculates precise dimensional data from the optical measurements, eliminating the need for subjective visual estimation and providing objective, high-precision quantitative results
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 quicker, more precise measurement of pipeline contours with improved robustness against mechanical movements, achieved through a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
optical system for contactless detection of the contour of the interior of a pipeline by optical triangulation
Implementation Method 2
a laser light source projects a visibly perceivable ring onto the interior wall of the pipe in the field of vision of the camera
Data Source
AI summary
A device to inspect a pipeline includes an optical system for contactless detection of an interior contour of the pipeline by optical triangulation, with the optical system being attachable to a carrier structure, which is insertable in a pipeline. The optical system includes at least n≧2 triangulation sensors or light section sensors disposed rotatably about a common axis of rotation and by the n triangulation sensors or n light section sensors being disposed about the common axis of rotation spaced the greatest possible distance apart angle-wise.