Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a repair device and particularly to a conduit maintenance device.
Description of Related Art
[002] Conduits serve as essential infrastructure for the transportation of fluids and gases across residential, commercial, and industrial facilities. Over time, these conduits face damage in the form of cracks, corrosion, leaks, or blockages. Such failures often lead to fluid leakage, environmental contamination, operational downtime, and high maintenance costs. Without timely detection and proper restoration, the damage escalates into safety risks and significant economic loss.
[003] Various tools and technologies exist for conduit inspection and repair. Manual methods rely on handheld devices, cameras, and patch kits, while more advanced systems include CCTV robots that provide visual access to internal pipe conditions. Technologies such as cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) repair and mechanical sleeves allow partial restoration of damaged sections. Commercial systems from different vendors provide stents or liners to reinforce conduit walls. Together, these methods aim to identify faults and extend the functional life of the conduits.
[004] Despite these available options, the current solutions remain limited. Manual inspection demands heavy labor and often misses hidden defects. Robotic inspection units detect issues but lack integrated repair functions. CIPP and sleeve-based methods suit only specific damage profiles and require preparatory work. Tools show inflexibility toward conduit variation in diameter or geometry, and most solutions perform only one task in isolation. Moreover, none of the current technologies support predictive or proactive maintenance, that results in reactive approaches, frequent disruptions, and high recurring expenses.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced conduit maintenance device that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a conduit maintenance device. The conduit maintenance device comprising a robotic unit adapted to navigate inside a conduit through omnidirectional wheels. The conduit maintenance device further comprising gripping structures adapted to maintain central positioning of the robotic unit within the conduit. The conduit maintenance device further comprising a sensing unit adapted to acquire data of an interior of the conduit. The conduit maintenance device further comprising a laser range finder adapted to measure conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry. The conduit maintenance device further comprising a modular multi-tool cartridge coupled to the robotic unit. The cartridge comprise a plurality of repair tools selected based on a classified defect and measured conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry.
[007] The conduit maintenance device further comprising a control unit. The control unit is configured to activate the omnidirectional wheels to navigate the robotic unit inside the conduit; activate the gripping structures to position the robotic unit centrally within the conduit; activate the sensing unit to acquire the data of the interior of the conduit; analyze the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model to identify a defect within the conduit, classify a type and a severity of the defect, or a combination thereof; generate a defect map with precise location information; activate the laser range finder to measure the conduit diameter and the cross-sectional geometry; actuate one or more of the repair tools from the modular multi-tool cartridge; and deploy the selected repair tools to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect.
[008] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for repairing defects in a conduit using a conduit maintenance device. The method comprising steps of activating omnidirectional wheels to navigate a robotic unit inside the conduit; activating gripping structures to position the robotic unit centrally within the conduit; activating a sensing unit to acquire data of an interior of the conduit; analyzing the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model to identify a defect within the conduit, classify a type and a severity of the defect, or a combination thereof; generating a defect map with precise location information; activating a laser range finder to measure a conduit diameter and a cross-sectional geometry; actuating one or more repair tools from a modular multi-tool cartridge; and deploying the selected repair tools to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect.
[009] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device that operates autonomously with AI-driven defect detection and decision support.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device that allows inspection, defect classification, surface preparation, sealing, reinforcement, and patch deposition within a single device.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device that adjusts automatically to diverse conduit diameters, shapes, and materials.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device that provides real-time monitoring and failure prediction.
[0014] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a conduit maintenance device that employs biodegradable materials and integrates waste collection.
[0015] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0016] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a conduit maintenance device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates the conduit maintenance device, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity diagram of the conduit maintenance device with a remote monitoring station, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for repairing defects in a conduit using the conduit maintenance device, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0024] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0025] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0026] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a conduit maintenance device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be configured to eliminate the need for manual inspection, specialized tools for varying conduit sizes, and separate repair operations. The conduit maintenance device 100 may be designed as a self-contained unit that may be capable of autonomous operation. The conduit maintenance device 100 may be adapted to navigate within conduits of different geometries while maintaining stability and central positioning without external adjustment. The conduit maintenance device 100 may continuously acquire interior data of the conduit, and such data may be processed to identify, classify, and map potential defects, including cracks, corrosion, blockages, or leaks. Based on the acquired data, the conduit maintenance device 100 may determine the conduit geometry and may accordingly adapt its repair operations.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may further comprise an integrated repair mechanism that may be capable of performing multiple restoration processes, and may include sealing of defects, reinforcement of weakened sections, surface preparation, or deposition of patching material. These operations may be selectively executed in response to identified defects without requiring external intervention. The conduit maintenance device 100 may further establish real-time communication with monitoring systems, that may enable operational oversight, data logging, and manual override when necessary.
[0028] Additionally, the conduit maintenance device 100 may support predictive maintenance by analyzing historical and real-time defect data to forecast potential future failures. This may enable proactive maintenance and may reduce the likelihood of critical disruptions. The conduit maintenance device 100 may further emphasize eco-friendly operation by utilizing safe materials for repair and by containing any byproducts or debris that may be generated during the maintenance process.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be configured to employ eco-friendly materials during repair operations. The eco-friendly materials may include non-toxic, biodegradable, or environmentally sustainable substances that may reduce ecological impact. The conduit maintenance device 100 may further comprise a waste collection feature that may be adapted to capture and retain debris, residues, or other byproducts generated during inspection or repair, thereby preventing contamination within the conduit and maintaining environmental safety standards.
[0030] According to the embodiments of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may incorporate non-limiting hardware components to enhance a processing speed and an efficiency such as the conduit maintenance device 100 may comprise a robotic unit 102, omnidirectional wheels 104a-104d (hereinafter referred individually to as a first wheel 104a, a second wheel 104b, a third wheel 104c, and a fourth wheel 104d, and plurally to as the omnidirectional wheels 104), gripping structures 106a-106b (hereinafter referred individually to as the first gripping structure 106a and a second gripping structure 106b, and plurally to as the gripping structures 106), a sensing unit 108, a laser range finder 110, a modular multi-tool cartridge 112, repair tools 114, a control unit 116, an integrated debris collection chamber 118, and a wireless communication interface 120. In an embodiment of the present invention, the hardware components of the conduit maintenance device 100 may be integrated with computer-executable instructions for overcoming the challenges and the limitations of the existing devices.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic unit 102 may be adapted to serve as the primary mobile platform of the conduit maintenance device 100. The robotic unit 102 may be configured to integrate mechanical frames, actuator mounts for the omnidirectional wheels 104, and the gripping structures 106, power storage and distribution systems, control electronics, and communication modules within sealed enclosures that provide environmental protection. The robotic unit 102 may provide modular interfaces for the modular multi-tool cartridge 112 and the integrated debris collection chamber 118, and may be arranged to permit tool change, docking, and maintenance access. The robotic unit 102 may support mounting points for the sensing unit 108 and the laser range finder 110, internal routing for power and data lines, and redundancy features such as an emergency retrieval coupling and fail-safe braking. The robotic unit 102 may be constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, may be sized to pass through constrictions, and may be serviceable to permit field replacement of wear items and firmware updates.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic unit 102 may be adapted to navigate inside the conduit through the omnidirectional wheels. The omnidirectional wheels 104 may be adapted to provide multi-directional mobility to the conduit maintenance device 100. Each wheel may be configured to operate independently, allowing linear, lateral, and rotational motion within confined spaces. The omnidirectional wheels 104 may enable smooth navigation through bends, junctions, and irregular conduit paths. They may include surface-gripping materials to prevent slipping under wet or corroded conditions, thereby ensuring stable movement.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the gripping structures 106 may be adapted to maintain central positioning of the robotic unit 102 within the conduit. The gripping structures 106 may be adapted to maintain the conduit maintenance device 100 at a central position inside the conduit. The gripping structures 106 may extend to apply controlled pressure against internal walls, thereby stabilizing the position during sensing and repair. The gripping structures 106 may include actuators that adjust dynamically to conduit diameter and may be constructed with resilient materials to prevent surface damage. This central positioning may ensure accuracy of measurements and precision in repair.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the sensing unit 108 may be adapted to acquire data of an interior of the conduit. The sensing unit 108 may comprise high-resolution cameras, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Light Detection and Ranging sensors (LiDAR), and so forth. The sensing unit 108 may be adapted to operate effectively in low-light or submerged environments. The data acquired by the sensing unit 108 may be processed by the control unit 116 to generate real-time defect maps and provide input for predictive analysis.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the laser range finder 110 may be adapted to measure conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry. The laser range finder 110 may function by projecting laser beams across internal surfaces and capturing reflected signals to calculate precise dimensions. The laser range finder 110 may provide data essential for tool selection and for monitoring structural deformation. The laser range finder 110 may operate without direct contact, ensuring durability and reliability over extended use.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be coupled to the robotic unit 102. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be adapted to house a variety of repair tools 114. The plurality of the repair tools 114 may be selected based on a classified defect, a measured conduit diameter, and/or cross-sectional geometry. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be mechanically integrated with the conduit maintenance device 100. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may provide flexibility for surface preparation, sealing, reinforcement, or deposition operations. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 and the repair tools 114 may collectively permit easy replacement or upgrading of the repair tools 114 for expanded functionality.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the repair tools 114 may be adapted to execute in-situ restoration of conduit defects. The repair tools 114 may include sealing nozzles for dispensing adhesives, expandable sleeves for structural reinforcement, brushes for surface preparation, deposition nozzles for patch application, and so forth. Each of the repair tools 114 may be activated individually under the control unit 116 to address specific defects with precision. The repair tools 114 may operate with eco-friendly repair materials to minimize environmental impact.
[0038] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be connected to the repair tools 114. The control unit 116 may be configured to activate the omnidirectional wheels 104 to navigate the robotic unit 102 inside the conduit. The control unit 116 may be configured to activate the gripping structures 106 to position the robotic unit 102 centrally within the conduit. The control unit 116 may be configured to activate the sensing unit 108 to acquire the data of the interior of the conduit. The control unit 116 may be configured to analyze the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model to identify a defect within the conduit, classify a type and a severity of the defect, and so forth.
[0039] The control unit 116 may be configured to generate a defect map with precise location information. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 116 may be configured to generate a defect map by processing multi-modal data acquired from the sensing unit 108 and the laser range finder 110. The sensing unit 108 may provide high-resolution imagery, ultrasonic reflections, infrared thermal variations, or Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) point clouds that may highlight cracks, corrosion, or leaks. The laser range finder 110 may deliver dimensional data, including diameter, cross-sectional profiles, and wall thickness variations.
[0040] The control unit 116 may be configured to fuse these inputs through artificial intelligence models and sensor fusion techniques that may include Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image analysis, clustering algorithms for defect grouping, and decision-tree classifiers for severity assessment. The generated defect map may be a three-dimensional representation of the conduit interior, wherein each identified anomaly may be tagged with its precise location, size, type, and severity index. The defect map may further incorporate temporal analysis from historical inspection data, enabling predictive algorithms to indicate regions that may be prone to future failures. Once generated, the defect map may be stored locally within the conduit maintenance device 100 and may be transmitted in real time through the wireless communication interface 120 for visualization, supervision, and maintenance planning.
[0041] The control unit 116 may be configured to activate the laser range finder 110 to measure the conduit diameter and the cross-sectional geometry. The control unit 116 may be configured to actuate one or more of the repair tools 114 from the modular multi-tool cartridge 112. The control unit 116 may be configured to deploy the selected repair tools 114 to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect. The operation may be, but not limited to, a cleaning of surfaces, a sealing of cracks by dispensing an adhesive, reinforcement of conduit walls by deployment of expandable sleeves, a deposition of repair material through a miniature three-dimensional printing nozzle, a resin patching, a structural reinforcement, and so forth.
[0042] The control unit 116 may be configured to enable the artificial intelligence model to generate a three-dimensional defect map with tagging of location, a size of the defect, the type of the defect, the severity of the defect, and so forth. The control unit 116 may be configured to enable the artificial intelligence model to forecast potential future failure points within the conduit and generate maintenance alerts.
[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated debris collection chamber 118 may be adapted to store debris generated during the repair operation. The integrated debris collection chamber 118 may be adapted to capture and retain particles, residues, or byproducts generated during inspection and repair. The integrated debris collection chamber 118 may prevent contamination inside the conduit and may preserve flow conditions. The integrated debris collection chamber 118 may include separators for different waste types and may be detachable for removal and cleaning. By incorporating the integrated debris collection chamber 118, the conduit maintenance device 100 may ensure environmentally safe operation.
[0044] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless communication interface 120 may be adapted to transmit a real-time inspection and repair data to a remote monitoring station 200 (as shown in FIG. 2). The wireless communication interface 120 may further be explained in detail in conjunction with the FIG. 2.
[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be designed with scalability in size and modularity of components to accommodate a wide range of applications. The structural dimensions of the robotic unit 102, the extension range of the gripping structures 106, and the deployment envelope of the modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be adjustable or provided in different form factors to enable operation within conduits of varying diameters, from small-diameter service pipes to large-scale industrial mains. In certain applications, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be manufactured in compact, lightweight configurations to navigate narrow and flexible conduits, while in other applications, a reinforced and expanded configuration may be employed to address high-pressure or large-capacity conduits. By way of example, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be configured in a compact version with an overall length of approximately 250 mm to 400 mm and an expandable diameter range of 50 mm to 150 mm for small-scale utility pipes, or in a larger version with a length of approximately 800 mm to 1200 mm and an expandable diameter range of 300 mm to 600 mm for industrial water mains or gas pipelines. This scalability may allow the conduit maintenance device 100 to be deployed across diverse infrastructure networks, thereby extending its utility and cost-effectiveness.
[0046] FIG. 1B illustrates the conduit maintenance device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the robotic unit 102 may be the structural platform that integrates all subsystems and may be designed to provide stability during operation. The omnidirectional wheels 104 may be mounted on the robotic unit 102 and may be adapted to enable multi-directional navigation through straight paths, bends, and junctions within the conduit. The gripping structures 106 may be extended outward to apply controlled pressure against the conduit walls and may be configured to maintain a central position of the conduit maintenance device 100, thereby ensuring accurate sensing and repair.
[0047] The sensing unit 108 may be positioned at the forward section and may be adapted to capture high-resolution data of the conduit interior, enabling detection of cracks, corrosion, or blockages. The laser range finder 110 may be aligned to project measurement beams across the internal surface and may be configured to determine conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry with high precision. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be attached to the robotic unit 102 and may be adapted to house the plurality of repair tools 114. The repair tools 114 in the modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may be deployed selectively to perform operations such as surface preparation, sealing, reinforcement, or patch deposition.
[0048] The control unit 116 may be embedded within the robotic unit 102 and may be configured to coordinate the functioning of all subsystems, analyze sensor data, and execute artificial intelligence-based defect classification and predictive analysis. The integrated debris collection chamber 118 may be located at the rear of the conduit maintenance device 100 and may be adapted to capture and retain debris, residues, or waste material generated during inspection or repair, thereby supporting eco-friendly and contamination-free operation.
[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be deployed inside a section of a water conduit that has developed leakage due to rusting. The robotic unit 102 may be navigated through the conduit using the omnidirectional wheels 104, while the gripping structures 106 may be extended to maintain central alignment. The sensing unit 108 may be activated to capture detailed imagery and structural data of the rusted area, and the laser range finder 110 may be employed to measure a diameter reduction caused by corrosion. The control unit 116 may analyze the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model and may generate a defect map identifying leakage points and the extent of rust damage. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may then be actuated to deploy a selected repair tool 114, such as a sealing nozzle, that may dispense an eco-friendly compound to close the leakage and reinforce weakened conduit walls. Debris and rust particles generated during this operation may be collected in the integrated debris collection chamber 118 to preserve flow quality. The wireless communication interface 120 may transmit inspection and repair data to the remote monitoring station 200, where predictive algorithms may evaluate the remaining rusted sections and may alert that the pipe may again be leaking in the future due to continuing rust progression.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be deployed inside an underground gas distribution conduit where sediment accumulation has partially obstructed flow. The robotic unit 102 may be maneuvered through the conduit using the omnidirectional wheels 104, while the gripping structures 106 may stabilize its position within the irregular cross-section. The sensing unit 108, together with the conduit property sensor 122, may capture detailed imaging and flow data to assess the extent of sediment buildup and evaluate local pressure and velocity changes. The laser range finder 110 may generate a three-dimensional profile of the obstruction, and the conduit property sensor may further measure turbidity, particulate density, and differential pressure to characterize the obstruction severity. Based on the defect classification performed by the control unit 116, the modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may deploy a scraping or abrasive repair tool 114 to dislodge and remove the sediment. The dislodged particles may be directed into the integrated debris collection chamber 118, thereby preventing contamination of downstream flow. Simultaneously, the wireless communication interface 120 may provide real-time transmission of obstruction maps and clearance progress to the remote monitoring station 200, ensuring that operators can validate the effectiveness of the cleaning process and schedule preventative maintenance.
[0051] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conduit maintenance device 100 may be introduced into a soft polymer-based conduit where a critical obstruction, such as a collapsed section or intrusive root growth, has significantly restricted flow. In this scenario of the present invention, the gripping structures 106 may be operated at a reduced pressure setting to avoid overstressing or deforming the soft conduit walls, while the omnidirectional wheels 104 may be configured to operate at a lower torque to ensure smooth maneuvering without exerting excessive lateral force. The sensing unit 108 and the conduit property sensor may jointly capture high-sensitivity measurements of wall deformation, compliance, and local strain distribution. The conduit property sensor may also be configured to operate in an adjusted low-intensity mode, such as reducing laser projection power or employing non-contact ultrasonic pulses, to prevent damage to the soft material. The control unit 116 may dynamically adjust its defect classification algorithms to distinguish between temporary elastic deformations and permanent material failures, thereby enabling more accurate decision-making. The modular multi-tool cartridge 112 may then be programmed to deploy a low-impact repair tool 114, such as a micro-jet flushing nozzle or soft-bristle cleaning brush, to carefully dislodge the obstruction without harming the conduit. Any displaced material may be suctioned into the integrated debris collection chamber 118 to maintain unobstructed flow. Data transmitted via the wireless communication interface 120 to the remote monitoring station 200 may further include real-time parameter logs from the conduit property sensor, enabling operators to monitor conduit wall responses and verify that force and pressure thresholds remain within safe tolerances.
[0052] FIG. 2 illustrates a connectivity diagram of the conduit maintenance device 100 with the remote monitoring station 200, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the remote monitoring station 200 may be adapted to establish continuous connectivity with the conduit maintenance device 100 through the wireless communication interface 120. The remote monitoring station 200 may utilize Internet of Things (IoT) enabled protocols such as Long Range (LoRa), Zigbee, Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Fifth Generation (5G) cellular networks, or hybrid mesh networking to ensure reliable and energy-efficient data exchange across varying distances and environments. The remote monitoring station 200 may receive inspection data, real-time video streams, dimensional measurements, defect maps, and repair status updates from the conduit maintenance device 100.
[0053] The remote monitoring station 200 may comprise data processing modules configured to execute artificial intelligence algorithms for enhanced diagnostics and forecasting. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) may be employed to analyze visual data captured by the sensing unit 108, while Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) or Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks may be applied to evaluate time-series data related to defect progression and material degradation. Predictive maintenance algorithms may be implemented to forecast potential failure points within the conduit and generate early alerts.
[0054] The remote monitoring station 200 may further incorporate adaptive communication algorithms capable of dynamically adjusting bandwidth allocation, modulation schemes, and transmission protocols to optimize performance under changing network conditions. Advanced error correction methods such as Reed–Solomon codes and Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes may be applied to maintain a reliability of transmitted data in noisy environments. Security features may include end-to-end encryption, secure access control systems, and blockchain-based verification to ensure an integrity and authenticity of inspection and repair logs.
[0055] The remote monitoring station 200 may be cloud-enabled to support distributed storage, large-scale data analytics, and real-time visualization dashboards. Integration with edge-computing frameworks may allow preprocessing of sensor data at the conduit maintenance device 100, reducing redundant transmissions and conserving bandwidth. A user interface may be provided to allow operators to monitor conduit conditions, issue manual override commands, and visualize defect maps in two- or three-dimensional representations. By integrating IoT connectivity, artificial intelligence-based analytics, and secure cloud infrastructures, the remote monitoring station 200 may function as a comprehensive supervisory hub for proactive conduit inspection and repair operations.
[0056] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for repairing defects in the conduit using the conduit maintenance device 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0057] At step 302, the conduit maintenance device 100 may activate the omnidirectional wheels 104 to navigate the robotic unit 102 inside the conduit.
[0058] At step 304, the conduit maintenance device 100 may activate the gripping structures 106 to position the robotic unit 102 centrally within the conduit.
[0059] At step 306, the conduit maintenance device 100 may activate the sensing unit 108 to acquire the data of the interior of the conduit.
[0060] At step 308, the conduit maintenance device 100 may analyze the acquired data through the artificial intelligence model to identify the defect within the conduit, classify the type and the severity of the defect, and so forth.
[0061] At step 310, the conduit maintenance device 100 may generate the defect map with precise location information.
[0062] At step 312, the conduit maintenance device 100 may activate the laser range finder 110 to measure the conduit diameter and the cross-sectional geometry.
[0063] At step 314, the conduit maintenance device 100 may actuate one or more of the repair tools 114 from the modular multi-tool cartridge 112.
[0064] At step 316, the conduit maintenance device 100 may deploy the selected repair tools 114 to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect.
[0065] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0066] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A conduit maintenance device (100) comprising:
a robotic unit (102) adapted to navigate inside a conduit through omnidirectional wheels (104a-104d);
gripping structures (106a-106b) adapted to maintain central positioning of the robotic unit (102) within the conduit;
a sensing unit (108) adapted to acquire data of an interior of the conduit;
a laser range finder (110) adapted to measure conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry;
a modular multi-tool cartridge (112) coupled to the robotic unit (102), wherein the cartridge comprises a plurality of repair tools (114) selected based on a classified defect and measured conduit diameter and cross-sectional geometry; and
a control unit (116) configured to:
activate the omnidirectional wheels (104a-104d) to navigate the robotic unit (102) inside the conduit;
activate the gripping structures (106a-106b) to position the robotic unit (102) centrally within the conduit;
activate the sensing unit (108) to acquire the data of the interior of the conduit;
analyze the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model to identify a defect within the conduit, classify a type and a severity of the defect, or a combination thereof;
generate a defect map with precise location information;
activate the laser range finder (110) to measure the conduit diameter and the cross-sectional geometry;
actuate one or more of the repair tools (114) from the modular multi-tool cartridge (112); and
deploy the selected repair tools (114) to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect.
2. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit (108) comprises high-resolution cameras, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, Light Detection and Ranging sensors (LiDAR), or a combination thereof.
3. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the repair operations are selected from a sealing of cracks by dispensing an adhesive, reinforcement of conduit walls by deployment of expandable sleeves, a deposition of repair material through a miniature three-dimensional printing nozzle, or a combination thereof.
4. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to transmit a real-time inspection and repair data to a remote monitoring station (200) via a wireless communication interface (120).
5. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an integrated debris collection chamber (118) adapted to store debris generated during the repair operation.
6. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to enable the artificial intelligence model to generate a three-dimensional defect map with tagging of location, a size of the defect, the type of the defect, the severity of the defect, or a combination thereof.
7. The conduit maintenance device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (116) is configured to enable the artificial intelligence model to forecast potential future failure points within the conduit and generate maintenance alerts.
8. A method (300) for repairing defects in a conduit using a conduit maintenance device (100), the method (300) is characterized by steps of:
activating omnidirectional wheels (104a-104d) to navigate a robotic unit (102) inside the conduit;
activating gripping structures (106a-106b) to position the robotic unit (102) centrally within the conduit;
activating a sensing unit (108) to acquire data of an interior of the conduit;
analyzing the acquired data through an artificial intelligence model to identify a defect within the conduit, classify a type and a severity of the defect, or a combination thereof;
generating a defect map with precise location information;
activating a laser range finder (110) to measure a conduit diameter and a cross-sectional geometry;
actuating one or more repair tools (114) from a modular multi-tool cartridge (112); and
deploying the selected repair tools (114) to perform an in-situ repair operation on the defect.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the repair operations are selected from a sealing of cracks by dispensing an adhesive, reinforcement of conduit walls by deployment of expandable sleeves, a deposition of repair material through a miniature three-dimensional printing nozzle, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a step of forecasting potential future failure points within the conduit and generating maintenance alerts.
Date: September 19, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant