Snap-On Pipe Guide Assembly for Jammed Camera Head Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pipe inspection systems face challenges with the difficulty of removing a jammed camera head from pipes with small diameters and sharp turns, and the need for a pipe guide that is easy to assemble and attach to the inspection system.

Innovation Solution

A snap-on pipe guide comprising a pair of cylindrical shells with radially extending vanes and a locking mechanism using tab arms and slide-locks, allowing for easy assembly and secure attachment around the coil spring of a pipe inspection system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pipe inspection camera is pushed through pipes with small diameters and sharp turns, then the inspection capability is improved, but the camera head becomes difficult to remove when jammed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection capabilityVSAvoidcamera head removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe guide is divided into multiple modular sections that can be assembled together. Each section contains guide vanes that can be independently positioned, allowing the system to adapt to different pipe configurations while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly for camera head retrieval

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If pipe guides are designed to keep the camera head raised above the bottom of the pipe, then fouling and obscuring by sludge, water, or debris is prevented, but the pipe guide structure becomes complex and difficult to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefouling preventionVSAvoidpipe guide assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe guide is segmented into multiple sections with guide vanes that can be independently assembled. This modular approach reduces overall complexity while maintaining the function of keeping the camera head elevated above the pipe bottom to prevent fouling by sludge, water, or debris

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe guide utilizes flexible guide vanes that can bend and adapt to the pipe interior geometry. This flexibility allows the guide to maintain camera elevation without requiring complex rigid structures, simplifying assembly while effectively preventing fouling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12313966B1Video pipe inspection systems

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 SEESCAN INC

AI summary

A video pipe inspection system may include a push-cable, camera head, and/or pipe guide.