UAV Sensor Survey for Rapid Underground Pipe Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting and maintaining underground pipe networks are labor-intensive, costly, and time-consuming, as they rely on human inspectors and slow-moving robots, making it difficult to efficiently identify and analyze pipe defects and leaks.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with sensors to collect and analyze data from above the ground, allowing for rapid identification of underground features such as pipes and water leaks, and transmitting this data for remote processing to prioritize inspection targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional CCTV cameras or mobile pipe inspection robots are used to inspect underground pipes, then inspection data can be obtained, but the process is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection systems (CCTV cameras and mobile robots that physically traverse pipes) with an aerial vehicle equipped with sensors that detect underground features from above ground. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical traversal through pipes, dramatically increasing inspection speed and reducing time requirements while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If individual pipe segments are inspected serially by inspection crews, then detailed pipe data can be collected, but the process becomes costly and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional serial inspection of individual pipe segments to a two-dimensional or three-dimensional aerial survey approach. By detecting underground features from above ground using sensors on an aerial vehicle, the system can cover larger pipe network sections simultaneously, maintaining detection accuracy while dramatically improving inspection efficiency and reducing costs.
3Loss of information
If mobile pipe inspection robots traverse through pipes, then interior pipe data can be obtained, but the process is slow and requires significant human involvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of mobile robots that must physically navigate through pipes with a simpler aerial vehicle system that uses sensor-based detection from above ground. This substitution reduces operational complexity while maintaining the ability to obtain comprehensive pipe inspection data, eliminating the need for robots to traverse difficult-to-navigate pipe interiors.
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 quick analysis of larger pipe network sections, reducing the time and cost associated with human inspection and robot traversal, allowing for rapid identification and characterization of underground features, thereby targeting critical areas for prompt inspection and remediation.
Implementation Method 1
obtain sensor data with the one or more sensors; the sensor data representative of underground water associated with a pipe
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect provides a method, including: obtaining sensor data from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); the sensor data comprising data obtained by one or more sensors of the UAV; analyzing, using a processor, the sensor data to detect underground water associated with a pipe; and identifying, with the processor, an underground feature based on the analyzing. Other aspects are described and claimed.