Tethered UAV Pipeline Imaging for Safe Sewer Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting sewage pipelines, such as direct visual inspection and camera-based systems, face challenges like toxic gas exposure, slow inspection speeds, and difficulty in controlling vehicles due to rising water levels, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) may collide with boundary surfaces, compromising control and safety.
Innovation Solution
A shooting inspection system using an unmanned flying object connected to a line-type member, equipped with an inspection camera and communication unit, which starts from a flight start stage, transmits data, and is controlled externally using a display unit and communication unit, allowing safe navigation and data transmission within the pipeline while being drawn back using an automatic winding device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inspector moves in a pipe to perform direct visual inspection, then inspection can be performed, but there is a risk of toxic gas exposure and immersion risk
Solution Approach 1:
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is introduced as an intermediary device to perform inspection tasks inside the sewage pipeline. The UAV carries cameras and sensors to capture images and data of the pipeline interior, transmitting them to operators outside the pipeline. This eliminates direct human exposure to toxic gases and immersion risks while maintaining inspection capabilities.
2Reliability
If a television camera is arranged in a pipe connected to the ground via a cable, then shooting inspection can be performed, but inspection speed is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system transitions from a static camera arrangement to a dynamic UAV-based system. The UAV can move freely along the pipeline, adjusting its position and orientation as needed to capture comprehensive images. This dynamic approach significantly increases inspection speed compared to fixed camera systems that require physical repositioning.
3Reliability
If a self-propelled vehicle with television camera is used, then inspection can be performed, but vehicle control becomes difficult when water level rises
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV serves as an intermediary inspection device that operates above the water level inside the pipeline. By using aerial navigation rather than ground-based vehicle movement, the system avoids the control difficulties associated with rising water levels. The UAV maintains stable operation even when water levels increase, as it navigates in the air space above the water.
4Productivity
If an unmanned aerial vehicle is flown in a closed-type space, then inspection can be performed, but collision with boundary surfaces may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is equipped with sensors and navigation systems that continuously monitor its position and detect boundary surfaces within the pipeline. Real-time feedback from these sensors allows the UAV to adjust its flight path and avoid collisions with the pipeline walls. This feedback mechanism ensures safe operation in the confined closed-type space while maintaining inspection efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a device configuration, method, etc. for performing imaging investigation in an investigation space using an unmanned aerial vehicle. A system includes: a flight start platform; the vehicle which is connected to a line-type member and equipped with an investigation camera, a travel-direction imaging camera, and a vehicle-side communication unit; an external control device which is equipped with a display unit and an external control device-side communication unit, and which receives the travel-direction image data through the external control device-side communication unit, receives an input of control commands for the vehicle while having a video or still image obtained from the travel-direction image data displayed on the display unit, and transmits a signal indicating the control commands from the external control device-side communication unit; and an attraction device which is connected to the line-type member and attracts the vehicle.