Aerial EM Sensor Hanging Platform for Underground Utility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting buried underground utilities, such as GPR and magnetic sensors, face limitations including restricted depth penetration, sensitivity to noise, and impracticality for large-area scanning, especially in urban environments.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electromagnetic (EM) sensor mounted on a hanging platform connected to an aerial vehicle via flexible links, allowing for efficient data collection and processing of EMF radiation to map underground utilities, with digital signal processing performed onboard or offline to enhance accuracy and reduce noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPR systems are used for underground utility detection, then depth penetration capability is improved, but the system becomes extremely sensitive to outside noise and prone to interference in urban areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hanging platform as an intermediary carrier that suspends the EM sensor below the aerial vehicle. This physical separation isolates the sensor from electromagnetic interference generated by the aerial vehicle's electronics and motors, enabling clear detection of underground utilities even in noisy urban environments while maintaining effective detection depth
2Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are used for underground utility detection, then sensitivity to electromagnetic field detection is improved, but the system becomes extremely sensitive to outside noise and prone to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The hanging platform serves as an intermediary that physically separates the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor from the aerial vehicle's electromagnetic noise sources. This allows the sensor to maintain its superior electromagnetic field detection sensitivity while being protected from urban environmental interference and vehicle-generated noise
3Area of stationary object
If GPR sensor is elevated from the ground on an aerial vehicle, then coverage area is improved, but signal penetration capability decreases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from ground-based horizontal scanning to aerial vertical scanning by suspending the EM sensor below the aerial vehicle. This dimensional change allows coverage of large areas while maintaining effective detection depth, as the sensor operates from an elevated position but directs its detection capability downward into the ground
4Ease of operation
If manual GPR systems are moved over the surface, then portability is improved, but productivity for covering large areas becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual pushing system with an aerial vehicle that transports the EM sensor platform through the air. This substitution enables rapid coverage of large areas while maintaining the portability advantage, as the lightweight EM sensor system can be easily deployed on small drones or aerial vehicles
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 system provides high-accuracy, non-invasive detection of underground utilities across large areas, including urban environments, with reduced noise interference and improved sensitivity, enabling precise mapping of utilities like electric cables, water pipes, and communication cables.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic (EM) sensor configured to output at least one analog signal indicative of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation captured by the EM sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial detection system includes an aerial vehicle unit and a hanging platform mechanically connected to an aerial vehicle by at least one flexible link. An EM sensor and hanging platform circuitry are mounted on the hanging platform. The hanging platform circuitry processes the EM sensor output signals. The aerial vehicle unit is attached the aerial vehicle and includes AVU circuitry which processes signals output by the hanging platform circuitry. The hanging platform circuitry and AVU circuitry are connected by one or more wired and/or wireless signal connections.