Submersible Inspection Vehicle for In-Liquid Transformer Data Charting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in efficiently acquiring, handling, and analyzing inspection data within liquid-filled housings, such as transformers, due to the complexity and cost of in-situ inspection and maintenance, which often require draining the liquid, leading to prolonged component downtime.
Innovation Solution
A submersible inspection vehicle system that allows for real-time data acquisition, charting, and display using wireless or tethered control, equipped with sensors and pumps for movement within the housing, enabling automatic data recording and analysis without draining the liquid, and allowing operators to focus on inspection tasks while minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the liquid is drained from the housing prior to inspecting and repairing internal components, then the components become accessible for inspection, but the inspection process becomes time consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a submersible inspection vehicle as an intermediary device that can operate within the liquid medium to access and inspect internal components without draining the liquid. The vehicle is equipped with sensors, cameras, and analytical tools that function while submerged, allowing inspection to proceed with the liquid in place, thereby eliminating the time-consuming draining process while maintaining component accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of draining liquid to access components with a sensor-based inspection system. The inspection vehicle uses optical sensors, cameras, and other detection devices to examine components through or while in the liquid medium, substituting the need for physical access via draining with remote sensing capabilities
2Productivity
If real time data handling and analysis is performed during inspection, then inspection efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data acquisition, processing, and analysis functions into an integrated system within the inspection vehicle. Multiple sensors and detectors are merged with onboard processing capabilities, allowing real-time data handling to occur at the inspection site rather than requiring separate complex post-processing systems, thus improving efficiency while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary data processing and analysis capabilities within the inspection vehicle itself, performing initial data handling during the inspection process rather than waiting for post-inspection analysis. This preliminary action allows for immediate identification of issues and reduces the complexity of subsequent data processing by pre-filtering and organizing information during collection
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 system reduces component downtime and associated costs by enabling rapid data categorization, organization, and comparison, facilitating efficient inspection and maintenance within liquid-filled housings without the need to drain the liquid, thus streamlining the inspection process and maintaining the integrity of the housing contents.
Implementation Method 1
a pump operably coupled to the vehicle and configured to propel the vehicle through the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for acquiring, manipulating and displaying inspection data obtained by sensors associated with submersible inspection vehicle within a housing having a liquid medium is disclosed in the present application. A control system including an electronic controller is operably coupled with the inspection vehicle and is configured to display data transmitted from the sensor and overlay input data from an operator on the display to facilitate real time analysis during the inspection event.