Sewer Pipe Work Head With Internal Line Routing and Clear Camera View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer pipe rehabilitation and inspection devices face issues with exposed power and data lines getting damaged or obstructed by pipe obstacles, and the camera's field of view being restricted by these lines.
Innovation Solution
The device routes power and data lines internally within the device, using rotary unions and actuators to keep them enclosed and protected, allowing only robust outer surfaces to engage with obstacles, and incorporates a swivel camera with internal lines to maintain a clear field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lines are arranged externally between lifting arms or below/above/next to lifting arms, then device structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but lines get damaged by obstacles and camera field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent routes lines through the interior of lifting arms, nesting the lines within the structural components of the device. This protects lines from external damage while utilizing the existing structural space, avoiding additional external routing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions line routing from external 2D arrangement to internal 3D routing through hollow lifting arm structures. This moves lines into a protected dimensional space within the device structure, eliminating exposure to external obstacles
2Ease of manufacture
If lines are exposed externally, then device manufacturing is easier, but device gets caught on obstacles and lines can be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Lines are nested within the hollow interior of lifting arms, using the structural component itself as protective housing. This eliminates the need for separate external protective conduits while protecting lines from obstacle damage
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting arm structure acts as a flexible yet protective shell enclosing the lines. The structural integrity of the lifting arm provides protection while allowing the overall device flexibility needed for sewer pipe navigation
3Device complexity
If lines are arranged externally, then device structure is simpler, but camera field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting lines within lifting arm interiors rather than arranging them externally, the camera's field of view is cleared of obstructions. The lines remain accessible through the lifting arm structure while not blocking camera visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The line routing is extracted from the external space around the camera to the internal space of lifting arms. This separation removes the visual obstruction caused by external lines while maintaining all necessary electrical and data connections
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for sewage pipe work, comprising: —a base unit (2), which can be moved in a sewage pipe; —a rotary head (3), which is disposed on the base unit (2) and can be rotated about an axis of rotation (A) associated with the rotary head (3); —a first lifting arm (4), which is rotatably mounted on the rotary head (3); —a holding portion (5), which is rotatably mounted on the first lifting arm (4) and is designed to hold a working device (6); —a first actuator (7) for moving the holding portion (5), the first actuator being mounted on the rotary head (3); —a working circuit, which is associated with the first actuator (7); and —a line, which can be connected to the working device (6); wherein the working circuit associated with the first actuator (7) extends within the device (1) from the interior of the base unit (3) to the interior of the first actuator (7), and wherein the line which can be connected to the working device (6) extends within the device (1) from the interior of the base unit (2) to the interior of the holding portion (5).