Sewer Camera Positioning with Pivot Arm and Moving Base Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer inspection systems are limited by the inability to vertically raise or lower inspection cameras exactly, leading to changes in camera focus and reduced inspection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A sewer inspection system with a positioning system featuring a lifting arm that is pivotable about a pivot axis and movable along a movement axis, allowing for precise positioning and movement of equipment within the sewer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a lifting device with pneumatic actuators is used to raise or lower the camera, then the camera can be positioned at different heights, but the camera cannot be raised or lowered exactly vertically and describes a curve during the raising or lowering process, which leads to a change in the distance between the camera and the surface being inspected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the base support movable along the movement axis relative to the carriage. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to compensate for the curved movement path of the lifting arm, ensuring that the camera can be positioned exactly vertically at the desired height while maintaining a constant distance from the inspection surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The base support acts as an intermediary element between the carriage and the lifting arm. It provides an additional degree of freedom by moving along the movement axis, which compensates for the non-vertical movement of the lifting arm and enables precise vertical positioning of the camera.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a lifting device with limited degrees of freedom is used, then the structure remains simple, but the possibilities for sewer inspection are significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension of movement by allowing the base support to move along the movement axis in addition to the lifting arm's rotation about the pivot axis. This dimensional expansion provides the camera with multiple degrees of freedom, enabling it to reach various positions and orientations for comprehensive sewer inspection while maintaining a manageable system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is designed with multi-functionality by combining the lifting arm's rotational movement with the base support's linear movement. This universal design allows the same system to perform multiple inspection tasks from different angles and positions, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate specialized devices.
3Length of moving object
If the camera distance to the inspection surface changes during raising or lowering, then readjusting the camera's focus is necessary, which increases inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for manual focus readjustment by using the mechanical movement of the base support along the movement axis to maintain a constant camera-to-surface distance. This mechanical solution automatically preserves the optimal focusing distance throughout the inspection process, eliminating time-consuming manual focus adjustments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A positioning system for sewer inspection and/or maintenance systems is provided for positioning a device in a sewer, wherein the positioning system has a lifting arm arranged on a base support, wherein - the lifting arm is deflectable or pivotable about a pivot axis relative to the base support, - the base support is arranged on a carriage of the sewer inspection and/or maintenance system, and - the base support is movable or travelable along an axis of movement relative to the carriage, and/or - rotatable about a rotation axis relative to the carriage.