UAV Structure Inspection for Precise Repeat Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility line inspection and maintenance processes are cumbersome, time-consuming, expensive, and dangerous due to the difficulty in accessing remote structures and reliance on human observation, leading to inaccurate data collection and increased risk.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with various sensor assemblies and tools for inspecting and maintaining utility poles and towers, capable of navigating to specific locations, collecting data, and performing maintenance tasks autonomously or with remote control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If technicians climb structures to obtain inspection information, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and reliability deteriorates due to safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of technicians physically climbing structures with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that flies to and inspects structures from the air. The UAV is equipped with sensors, cameras, and other inspection equipment that can capture data without requiring human presence on the structure, thereby eliminating the time loss and safety risks associated with climbing while maintaining or improving inspection accuracy through advanced imaging and sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV acts as an intermediary between the inspectors and the structures. Instead of technicians directly contacting the structures by climbing them, the UAV serves as a mediator that carries inspection equipment to the structure, collects data, and transmits information back to the inspection team, thereby eliminating the need for direct human-structure contact while preserving inspection quality.
2Device complexity
If technicians manually inspect structures from ground position, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the inspection process from a two-dimensional ground-level perspective to a three-dimensional aerial perspective. The UAV can approach structures from multiple angles and heights, capturing images and data from viewpoints that were previously inaccessible. This dimensional change enables comprehensive inspection of all structure surfaces without significantly increasing system complexity, as the UAV integrates multiple sensors into a single mobile platform.
3Measurement precision
If multiple technicians are deployed for comprehensive inspection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV is designed as a multi-functional inspection platform that integrates various sensors, cameras, LIDAR systems, and data processing capabilities into a single vehicle. This universal platform can perform multiple inspection tasks (visual inspection, thermal imaging, structural measurement, etc.) that would otherwise require multiple specialized technicians and equipment, thereby maintaining comprehensive data collection accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and coordination requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for inspecting or maintaining a structure, such as a utility pole or a metal tower), with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are disclosed. The UAV can be configured to fly to a target location on the structure and measure characteristics of the structure such as a component thickness. The UAV can precisely repeat the measurement at a later time to determine any change in component thickness.