Autonomous Receiver for Underground Utility Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling and underground utility location methods face challenges in accurately tracking the position and depth of drill bits and utilities without obstructing surfaces, particularly when operators cannot walk along the borepath or when obstructions are present.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled autonomous receiver system equipped with an antenna assembly and propulsion system, capable of detecting magnetic fields and moving above underground lines or drill bits, uses signal strength and orientation measurements to determine depth and position, allowing for accurate three-dimensional location without requiring direct operator positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand-carried receiver is used for locating underground utilities, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the operator cannot accurately track position and depth when obstructions are present or when walking along the borepath is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system performs self-positioning by autonomously detecting magnetic field signals from the transmitter and calculating its own location without requiring operator intervention. The system uses its built-in antenna assembly and processor to automatically track the drill bit position and depth, eliminating the need for the operator to physically walk along the borepath or manually position the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical method of operator walking and manual positioning with an electromagnetic field-based detection system. The antenna assembly detects magnetic field signals transmitted through the ground, and the processor calculates the receiver's position and the drill bit's location, substituting mechanical operator movement with non-contact electromagnetic sensing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the receiver remains on the ground surface, then the setup is simple, but the operator cannot access certain areas due to obstructions or safety restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system transitions from a static ground-based configuration to a dynamic airborne platform. The propulsion system enables the receiver to move vertically and horizontally, allowing it to access areas that are obstructed on the ground surface while maintaining the ability to detect magnetic field signals for accurate position and depth tracking.
3Measurement precision
If traditional ground-based tracking methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but accurate three-dimensional location cannot be achieved without direct operator positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the magnetic field signal strength and orientation as the receiver moves, using this feedback information to calculate its position and the drill bit's location in three-dimensional space. The processor analyzes the changing signal characteristics to determine accurate positional data without requiring manual intervention.
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
Enables accurate monitoring and tracking of drill bits and utilities during horizontal directional drilling and utility location, allowing for precise placement and mapping without the need for direct operator intervention, even in obstructed areas.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna assembly detects the magnetic field and generates an antenna signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for locating an underground line. The system uses a self-propelled autonomous antenna, processor and propulsion system. The antenna detects a magnetic field from an underground line and generates an antenna signal. The processor is programmed to receive the antenna signal and generate a command signal. The propulsion system receives the command signal and moves the antenna along a length of the underground line, allowing the processor to map the same.