Vibrating Pipe Locator for Non-Invasive Acoustic Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe locating methods are unreliable and costly due to limitations in tracing unexposed electrical, plumbing, and HVAC pipes, particularly in materials like steel framing and concrete, and often produce nuisance signals from nearby electrical sources, requiring extensive training and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a motor shaft, weight, flexible push rod, and tip assembly that vibrates when inserted into a pipe, emitting audible sounds to help locate pipe connections without damaging the pipes, using a powered motor and waterproof electronics to navigate through bends and obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe tracing methods are used, then pipe locations can be identified, but the methods are unreliable and produce nuisance signals from nearby electrical sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by rotating an unbalanced weight on a motor shaft to generate vibrations that travel through the pipe. This mechanical vibration method produces audible sounds when the pipe contacts surrounding structures, enabling reliable pipe location identification without electromagnetic interference or nuisance signals from electrical sources.
2Measurement precision
If excavation is performed to locate pipes, then pipe locations can be determined, but it causes damage to flooring, ceilings, and walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of excavation with a non-invasive acoustic detection system. By inserting a vibrating device into the pipe and listening for audible sounds generated when the pipe contacts surrounding structures, the system achieves accurate pipe location identification without damaging flooring, ceilings, or walls.
3Reliability
If complex pipe tracing equipment is used, then pipe locations can be identified, but extensive training is required and equipment costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive vibrating device that can be easily inserted into pipes and retrieved. The device uses basic components (motor, unbalanced weight, handle) that are cost-effective and do not require complex calibration or extensive training to operate, making it accessible for general use while maintaining reliable pipe location identification.
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
The device effectively identifies pipe locations and connections by producing distinct sounds and vibrations, reducing the need for excavation and minimizing errors, while being user-friendly and cost-effective compared to existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
As the motor turns the motor shaft, the motor shaft causes the weight to oscillate. As the weight oscillates it causes the tip assembly to vibrate. As the tip assembly vibrates it emits auditory sounds.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for identifying the location of pipe is disclosed. The device includes a motor shaft attached at one end to a motor and attached at the other end to a weight; a flexible push rod attached at one end to a tip assembly and attached at the other end to a reel; a power source for powering the motor; and a tip assembly. The tip assembly is threaded into one end of a pipe. As the motor turns the motor shaft, the motor shaft causes the weight to oscillate. As the weight oscillates it causes the tip assembly to vibrate. As the tip assembly vibrates it emits auditory sounds.