Insulating Sheath Ridges for Buried Pipe Detection Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and monitoring optically invisible objects, such as buried pipes, face challenges with imprecise positioning and stability, leading to inefficient detection and potential damage during excavation or monitoring processes.
Innovation Solution
A detection and monitoring device with a structured insulating sheath and attachment means, featuring longitudinal ridges and adhesive or hook-and-loop fixing mechanisms, ensures stable positioning along the upper generatrix of the object, allowing for precise electromagnetic or optical detection and immediate breakage notification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fixing means are used to attach the electrically conductive element to the pipe, then the device can be installed on the pipe, but the positioning becomes imprecise and the device may move during burial
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheath is divided into multiple functional zones: a first portion with adhesive attachment means for secure bonding to the pipe, a second portion with ridges for mechanical interlocking with the pipe surface, and a third portion that remains smooth for optimal electromagnetic detection. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function optimally, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the insulating sheath are given different surface qualities: the first portion has adhesive properties for strong attachment, the second portion has ridges for mechanical engagement, and the third portion has a smooth surface for optimal electromagnetic field interaction. This local differentiation of properties enables the device to simultaneously achieve stable attachment and precise positioning without compromising detection accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the electrically conductive element is made movable on the pipe surface, then installation is easier, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheath is pre-formed with attachment means (adhesive portion and ridges) that automatically engage with the pipe surface during installation. This preliminary preparation of the sheath structure ensures that once installed, the electrically conductive element is immediately and securely fixed in the correct position, eliminating the need for post-installation adjustment while maintaining precise positioning for detection.
3Device complexity
If simple fixing means are used, then the device structure remains simple and costs are lower, but positioning stability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sheath combines multiple attachment functions (adhesive bonding, mechanical interlocking via ridges, and structural support) into a single integrated component. This merging of functions into one element maintains relative structural simplicity while achieving superior positioning stability and accuracy compared to separate fixing components.
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
The device provides optimal positioning and precise detection of buried objects, reducing the risk of misplacement and damage, while enabling easy identification and monitoring of optically invisible objects, including pipes, with robust and reliable equipment at lower costs.
Implementation Method 1
injecting, using a current generator, an electrical signal into an electrically conductive linear element associated with a pipe to be identified and arranged according to the route of the latter, and this via control boxes connection installed at regular distances along the pipeline to serve as access points, and using an electromagnetic detector arranged to sense an electromagnetic field created by an alternating current flowing in the electrically conductive element
Implementation Method 2
When the linear element is optically conductive, and is more particularly an optical fiber, any breakage of the device according to the invention, and therefore of the linear element, makes it possible on the one hand to immediately inform an operator of the breakage of the device, and on the other hand to locate with precision the location of the rupture zone by analyzing for example characteristic values of the light ray passing through the optically conductive linear element
Data Source
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AI summary
This detecting and/or monitoring device (2) is intended to be mounted on optically invisible objects and to be placed substantially parallel to the general direction of said objects. The detecting and/or monitoring device (2) comprises at least one electrically or optically conductive linear element (3) and an insulating sheath (4) covering the linear element. The insulating sheath (4) comprises at least one first face (5) having at least one substantially flat portion (5a) intended to be mounted on said objects.