Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance Robot

In densely populated urban areas, where daily life operations are sustained, there is a need for the transportation of bulk raw materials such as water, electricity, oil, and natural gas through a complex network of underground or elevated pipelines and sewage systems. Prolonged use of these systems leads to the accumulation of debris and foreign objects. Without regular cleaning and inspection, this can result in water pooling or blockages, leading to unexpected disasters. Traditional methods involve personnel entering narrow vertical or horizontal sewage pipelines, manually tapping and using high-pressure water jets for cleaning. These methods are time-consuming, inefficient, rely on experiential estimation, and cannot guarantee quality. Moreover, there is a risk of encountering hazardous gases, methane, and low oxygen levels, leading to potential explosions or harm to personnel.

This invention adopts a modular integrated design approach, featuring a unique dual-track structure that allows the robot to crawl, inspect, clean, and perform engineering tasks within both vertical and horizontal pipelines. The structural design comprises three main components: the robot body, transmission unit, and control box. Robot Body: The robot body is equipped with innovative dual tracks and a buffering motion mechanism, enabling it to move vertically, negotiate turns, and traverse horizontally within pipelines. Multi-Function and Inspection Module: This module combines adjustable brushes, suction, blowing nozzles, and engineering tools, allowing for the removal of debris and foreign objects. The robotic arm and platform are equipped with high-resolution cameras that can assess cleanliness and determine the robot’s location, facilitating inspection of the pipeline’s interior walls. Transmission Unit: It utilizes 50~200-meter optical fiber composite cables for length measurement, enabling distance measurement within the pipeline and providing power and signal communication. Control Unit: The control unit includes monitoring screens, recording capabilities, location tracking, robot posture control, operation of cleaning functions, interior wall inspection of the pipeline, and condition marking. In summary, this invention combines modularity and innovative design to create a specialized robot capable of crawling, inspecting, cleaning, and performing engineering tasks within both vertical and horizontal pipelines. The design consists of three main components: the robot body, transmission unit, and control unit, which collectively enable efficient and precise pipeline maintenance and inspection.