Utility Pole Inspection System Data Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current groundline inspection methods for wooden utility poles are inefficient in analyzing and comparing data from multiple poles, as they often rely on subjective techniques and data is typically collected and stored on a single device, making it challenging to generate reports and analyze data sets from multiple poles.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensor devices and a computing device that associate measurement data with unique identifiers for each asset, allowing for the collection, analysis, and reporting of measurement data from multiple assets, including wooden structures like utility poles, using a workflow or mission plan to determine parameters such as structural integrity and remaining wall thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If data is collected and stored on a single device for each utility pole, then data collection is simple and device complexity is low, but data analysis and comparison across multiple poles becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data from multiple utility pole inspections into a single centralized database, allowing all inspection data to be stored and accessed in one location. This enables efficient retrieval and comparison of data across multiple poles without manually accessing individual devices, thereby reducing data analysis time while maintaining simple data collection procedures at each inspection site.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed with universal data formats and standardized measurement protocols that can be applied across all utility poles. This multi-functionality allows the same inspection procedures and data structures to be used for any number of poles, facilitating seamless data aggregation and comparison across the entire utility infrastructure without requiring pole-specific customization.
2Device complexity
If conventional inspection methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and objectivity of assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical inspection methods (such as visual assessment and manual testing) with automated sensor-based measurement systems. These sensors objectively measure parameters like wall thickness, material density, and structural integrity, providing precise quantitative data that eliminates human subjectivity while maintaining relatively simple inspection equipment that can be deployed in the field.
3Productivity
If data is tailored for single pole analysis, then data collection efficiency is high, but adaptability for analyzing multiple poles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system employs universal data collection protocols and standardized measurement procedures that can be applied to any utility pole. The data structures are designed to be pole-agnostic, allowing the same inspection routine to efficiently collect data from multiple poles while maintaining the ability to analyze and compare results across the entire dataset without requiring pole-specific adaptations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for gathering and analyzing measurement data associated with a plurality of assets. One or more parameters may be determined based on the measurement data. An indication may be determined based on the one or more parameters. The indication may be indicative of a recommendation to replace at least one asset, to repair at least one asset, to gather additional measurement data for at least one data.