Sewer Inspection Camera Joint Control for Fast Target Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sewer inspection and maintenance systems require operators to manually correct servomotors to align cameras, which is time-consuming and can lead to mechanical damage due to the complexity of pivot movements.
Innovation Solution
A system with an input device to define target points for camera alignment and a control device that calculates and transmits control signals to servomotors to automatically perform pivot movements, eliminating the need for manual correction and allowing simultaneous operation of servomotors for faster alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual joystick control is used to align the camera, then the operator can control the servomotors to pivot the camera, but the alignment process becomes time-consuming and complex requiring active correction throughout the movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical joystick control with an automated computer-controlled system. The computer calculates the required pivot movements and automatically controls the servomotors to align the camera with the target point, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and continuous correction during the alignment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically calculating and executing the pivot movements required to align the camera with the target point. The computer-controlled system independently determines the alignment path and controls the servomotors without requiring continuous manual correction, enabling the system to service itself during the alignment operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual correction of servomotors is required during pivot movement, then the camera can be aligned to the target direction, but the complexity of the operation increases and mechanical damage risk arises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical control operations with automated computer control. The computer calculates the precise pivot movements required and automatically controls the servomotors, maintaining alignment precision while eliminating the complexity of manual correction operations and reducing mechanical damage risk.
3Reliability
If sequential control of servomotors is used for pivot movements, then the mechanical limits can be respected, but the alignment speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the servomotors through computer calculation. The system determines the optimal sequence and timing of pivot movements based on current joint angles and target position, enabling coordinated simultaneous control of multiple servomotors that respects mechanical limits while maximizing alignment speed through optimized movement dynamics.
Data Source
AI summary
A sewer inspection or maintenance system has an image recording device arranged on a crawler or pushing device by a joint system. The joint system is adapted to carry out pivot movements in at least two directions for pivoting the image recording device in a predetermined direction. An input device is adapted to receive a target point for a pivot movement of the joint system to be carried out, and a control device, which is coupled to the input device and to the joint system, and which is adapted to receive the target point received from the input device, to calculate joint angles of the joint system that correspond to the target point of the pivot movement to be carried out, and to determine control signals to transmit to the joint system, wherein the control signals cause the joint system to perform the pivot movement.