Single Actuator In-Pipe Probe Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-pipe inspection and maintenance tasks are complicated by the need for multiple actuators to manage rotational and radial deployments of probes or tools within limited pipe spaces, leading to increased complexity and hardware requirements.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline apparatus utilizing a single actuation mechanism for both rotational and radial deployments of a probe or tool, employing mechanisms like mutilated gears, cam followers, and grooved paths to simplify the deployment process and reduce the number of actuated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two actuators are used to independently control rotation deployment and radial deployment of the probe or tool, then the deployment precision and control accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent actuators into a single actuator that performs both rotational deployment and radial deployment functions. The single actuator is coupled to a deployment mechanism that includes a rotatable component and a radially movable component, allowing one actuator to control both degrees of freedom through mechanical linkage rather than requiring separate actuators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator is designed to perform multiple functions - both rotational deployment and radial deployment of the probe or tool. By making the actuator universal and multi-functional, the system reduces the total number of actuators needed while maintaining the capability to independently control both rotational and radial positions through a unified actuation system.
2Measurement precision
If two actuators are used to independently control rotation deployment and radial deployment of the probe or tool, then the control accuracy is improved, but the number of actuated components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuated components into one single actuator. The deployment mechanism translates the single actuator's motion into both rotational and radial movements, reducing the count of actuated components from two to one while preserving the independent control capability for both deployment dimensions.
3Device complexity
If a single actuator is used to control both rotation deployment and radial deployment of the probe or tool, then the device complexity and wiring complexity are reduced, but the deployment precision and control accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a deployment mechanism as an intermediary between the single actuator and the probe/tool. This mechanism includes a rotatable component and a radially movable component that translate the actuator's single degree of freedom into two independent movements (rotational and radial). The intermediary mechanism ensures that deployment precision is maintained by providing mechanical pathways that accurately translate actuator motion into precise positional control at the probe/tool.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-pipe inspection or maintenance apparatus comprises: a single rotational and radial deployment mechanism to both rotationally deploy a probe or tool about an inner circumference of a pipe with respect to the axis of the pipe and radially deploy the probe or tool to first and second target points on the inner circumference; and a single actuator to automatically actuate the rotational and radial deployment mechanism to perform both the rotational and radial deployments of the probe or tool. The rotational and radial deployment mechanism is further configured to: rotate the probe or tool and radially extend the probe or tool to the first target point in response to the single actuator actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism; and rotate the probe or tool from the first target point to the second target point in response to the single actuator further actuating the rotational and radial deployment mechanism.