UAV Expansion Joint Angle Detection via Thermal Overlay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Frequent inspection of expansion joints in structures is difficult and expensive due to their potential for structural failure, especially when they become locked up due to rust or thermal expansion, which can lead to structural damage if not detected promptly.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a camera and temperature-sensing instrument mounted on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) captures images and temperature data, with a computing system determining the expected and actual angles of the expansion joint, superimposing lines on the image to visually indicate any significant discrepancies, facilitating the detection of locked-up bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional inspection methods are used for expansion joints, then inspection can be performed, but it is difficult and expensive due to requiring human access to hard-to-reach structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) as an intermediary carrier to deliver the inspection system to hard-to-reach expansion joints. The drone carries the camera, temperature sensor, and computing system, eliminating the need for human inspectors to physically access dangerous or difficult-to-reach locations while maintaining inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system integrates multiple functions into a single portable unit mounted on the drone: visual imaging (camera), temperature measurement (sensor), angle calculation (computing system), and failure detection algorithms. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for multiple separate inspection equipment and personnel.
2Reliability
If frequent inspection of expansion joints is performed to detect failures early, then structural damage can be prevented, but the cost and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically comparing the actual bearing angle (derived from temperature and visual inspection) with the expected angle. The computing system autonomously determines whether a bearing is locked up or functioning normally without requiring human interpretation, enabling rapid automated decision-making for frequent inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature as a key parameter to predict the expected bearing angle, then compares it with the actual observed angle. By monitoring changes in temperature and angle parameters over time, the system can detect bearing failures early and determine their severity, enabling frequent low-cost monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If detailed visual inspection and angle measurement are performed to accurately detect locked-up bearings, then detection precision improves, but the complexity of the inspection process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical angle measurement devices with a simpler optical approach: a camera captures images of the expansion joint, and the computing system calculates the bearing angle from these images combined with temperature data. This substitution maintains measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the expansion joint and bearing assembly, then analyzes this digital copy to determine bearing angles and detect failures. This allows detailed measurement without requiring physical contact or complex mechanical gauges at the inspection site.
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
This method allows for efficient and cost-effective inspection of expansion joints by visually comparing expected and actual angles, enabling early detection of potential failures and reducing the risk of structural damage.
Implementation Method 1
Expansion joints are common features in bridges and other structures subject to thermal expansion and contraction
Implementation Method 2
a camera captures images of expansion joint assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A camera captures an image of a structural bearing, such as a hanger bearing or a rocker bearing. Additionally, an instrument detects a temperature. A computing system determines, based on the temperature, an expected angle of the bearing relative to a base line. The computing system also determines an actual angle of the bearing relative to the base line. The computing system superimposes a first line on the image, the first line indicating the expected angle. Furthermore, the computing system superimposes a second line on the image, the second line indicating the actual angle.