Rotation Module With Slip Ring for Pipe Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sewer and pipe inspection systems face challenges in displaying images taken by cameras and tools in the correct position after rotation, leading to loss of image information and high CPU intensity for real-time video rotation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a rotation module coupled to a pivoting housing via a slip ring for 360° rotation, allowing independent adjustment of the rotation angle and axis, along with a pivoting fork for additional pivoting capability, ensuring images and tools are always in the correct position without needing post-processing rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image rotation is performed by transforming image data, then images can be displayed in the correct position, but image information is lost and CPU resources are excessively consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage position accuracyVSAvoidimage information loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of rotating the captured image data through CPU-intensive transformation, the patent inverts the approach by physically rotating the camera module to the correct orientation before image capture. The rotation module with slip ring allows the camera to be mechanically positioned at the appropriate angle, eliminating the need for post-capture image rotation and preserving complete image information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the digital/image-processing mechanical system (CPU-based image transformation) with a physical/mechanical system (rotation module with motor and slip ring). By mechanically orienting the camera before capture, the system avoids the computational overhead and information loss associated with digital image rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If image rotation is performed by transforming image data, then images can be displayed in the correct position, but CPU-intensive processing is required for real-time video

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage position accuracyVSAvoidreal-time processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by performing the orientation adjustment mechanically before image capture rather than computationally after capture. The rotation module with motor驱动 rotates the camera to the correct angle, and the slip ring maintains electrical connections during rotation, enabling real-time video capture without CPU-intensive post-processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the computational image rotation system with a mechanical rotation system. The motor-driven rotation module physically orients the camera in real-time, replacing the need for CPU-based image transformation and significantly improving real-time video processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tools are arranged on the carriage, then inspection functions are provided, but tools cannot be rotated independently of the receiving device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool functionalityVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tool system into an independent rotation module that can be attached to the carriage. This modular design allows the tool to be rotated independently around its own axis while maintaining connection to the carriage through the pivoting housing and slip ring interface, providing both independence and integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pivoting housing as an intermediary component between the carriage and the rotation module. This intermediary structure with slip ring allows the tool to rotate independently while maintaining electrical and mechanical connection to the carriage, enabling independent tool rotation without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate image capture and tool positioning without CPU-intensive post-processing, allowing for efficient and flexible inspection system operation with reduced complexity and cost.

Implementation Method 1

the rotation module comprises a slip ring for signal and energy transmission between the rotation module and the pivoting housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSlip ring:

Data Source

PatentUS10187614B2Rotation module for an inspection system

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 IPEK INT

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for an inspection system, in particular, to a sewer and pipe, respectively, inspection system comprising a rotation module, which is coupled to a pivoting housing, wherein the rotation module is rotatable about its longitudinal axis relatively to the pivoting housing, and wherein the rotation module comprises a slip ring for signal and energy transmission, respectively, between the rotation module and the pivoting housing.