Turning Device Shape Memory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sewer inspection and cleaning systems face challenges in efficiently turning into side channels without obstructing the camera view or mobility, and tools like milling devices struggle to reach processing points due to protruding guide devices that cannot be retracted.
Innovation Solution
A turning device with a carrier, restoring means, and actuating means using shape memory elements that change shape in response to influencing variables, allowing the system to deflect into side channels without protruding beyond the camera contour, and automatically returning to the neutral position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a guide or steering device protrudes beyond the camera contour to enable turning into side channels, then the turning capability is improved, but the camera view is obstructed and inspection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend beyond the camera contour only when turning into side channels is required, and retract when not needed. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt its shape based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between needing protrusion for turning and avoiding obstruction for inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device is divided into multiple segments or sections that can independently extend or retract. This segmentation allows specific portions to protrude when needed for steering while keeping other portions retracted to maintain an unobstructed camera view, enabling simultaneous achievement of turning capability and inspection quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a guide device protrudes beyond the system contour to enable steering, then the steering capability is improved, but the mobility of the camera head deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device incorporates movable elements that can extend and retract based on operational needs. When steering into side channels is required, the device extends to provide leverage; when mobility is prioritized during forward movement, the device retracts to minimize interference with the camera head's motion, thus resolving the contradiction between steering capability and mobility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed guide device is used for steering, then the steering function is achieved, but tools cannot reach processing points due to obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device is designed with movable components that can retract when not actively engaged in steering. This allows tools attached to or near the guide device to reach processing points in side channels without obstruction, while the guide device can still extend when needed to provide steering leverage, resolving the contradiction between maintaining steering function and enabling tool access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional mechanical actuating means are used for the guide device, then the steering function is achieved, but device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical actuating mechanisms with a magnetic field-based actuation system. Magnetic elements interact with externally applied magnetic fields to extend or retract the guide device, eliminating the need for complex mechanical motors, gears, and linkages. This substitution significantly reduces device complexity and material usage while maintaining the steering function.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation of the guide device is achieved by changing magnetic field parameters (strength, direction, distribution) rather than using mechanical force transmission. By controlling the magnetic field parameters, the guide device can be extended or retracted as needed, providing a simpler and more efficient actuation mechanism compared to conventional mechanical systems.
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
Enables easier and more effective turning into side channels without impairing inspection or maintenance functions, allowing tools to reach their intended locations without obstruction, and ensuring cost-effective production with reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating means which interacts with the carrier for deflecting the carrier from a neutral position against a restoring force of the restoring means, the actuating means having at least one shape memory element which in Depending on at least one influencing variable changes its shape reversibly and the change in shape of the shape memory element causes the deflection of the carrier from the neutral position
Implementation Method 2
a restoring means which interacts with the carrier
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A turning device (10) for an inspection and/or cleaning system is provided, comprising: - a carrier (11), in particular for attaching work equipment to the turning device (10), - a restoring means (13) cooperating with the carrier (11), and - at least one actuating means (20) cooperating with the carrier (11) for deflecting the carrier (11) from a neutral position against a restoring force of the restoring means (13), wherein - the actuating means (20) comprises at least one shape memory element (20) which reversibly changes its shape depending on at least one influencing factor, and wherein - the shape change of the shape memory element (20) causes the carrier (11) to deflect from the neutral position. An inspection and/or cleaning system with at least one turning device according to the invention is also provided.