Design and development of an automated umbilical cleaning device for sewer inspection robots

• Main Author: Yeo, Si Yuan
• Other Authors: Yeo Song Huat
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2021
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/150587
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) is maintained through a sewer inspection robot. The robot functions through an umbilical cord that transfers power to the robot as it moves along the tunnel. As the cord comes into contact with dirt and grime in the sewage, maintenance of the cord is necessary to ensure the functioning of the robot. Currently, the cord is cleaned using a wet cloth and lubricated manually, by hand. With virus and germs being found in sewage systems, it is also crucial that the cord is disinfected to prevent the spread of unwanted diseases. Thus, this project focused on the design and development of an automated umbilical cleaning device for the sewer inspection robot. The device should be able to clean, disinfect and lubricate the umbilical cord, be switched on and off by an operator, and be compact for ease of deployment. At the start of this project, a modular design approach was adopted to perform the three different functions required of the umbilical cleaning device. Market research was done to conceptualise designs for the different functions. After deciding the best designs using a decision matrix, a detailed design of the umbilical cleaning device was carried out. The prototype was then built based on the design calculations and tested. The cleaning module that was built could provide substantial cleaning of the surface of the umbilical cord. The cleaning module was also compact, with dimensions of 13cm x 25cm x 15.5cm, making it easier to carry.