Bucket-Mounted GPR for Real-Time Underground Utility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting underground utilities during construction are ineffective, with GPR requiring pre-site surveys and expert interpretation, while other methods like magnetometers and GPR systems are unreliable or impractical for real-time detection.
Innovation Solution
A GPR system integrated with a digging machine's bucket, featuring a GPR unit and post-processing unit, uses SFCW and SFICW pulse techniques, tone calibration, and IMU/Kalman filter for real-time hazard detection, providing alerts and geo-location of utilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional GPR methods are used with pre-site surveys and offline map preparation, then utility detection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring expert interpretation and harmonisation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPR detection system directly with the digging machine bucket, merging the detection function with the excavation equipment. This integration eliminates the need for separate pre-site surveys and offline map preparation processes, as the GPR unit detects utilities in real-time during the digging operation itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting utilities and providing real-time alerts to the operator without requiring external expert interpretation. The integration of the GPR unit with the digging machine enables the system to service itself during operation, eliminating dependency on separate survey teams and expert analysis.
2Ease of operation
If GPR detection is integrated with the digging machine bucket for real-time detection, then ease of operation and productivity are improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to the challenging mounting environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the GPR antenna at specific locations on the bucket (ground-facing base and upper portion) where the detection conditions are most favorable. The system tailors the detection approach to the local characteristics of each mounting position, optimizing performance despite the challenging environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic compensation by using the IMU to track bucket motion and adjusting detection parameters in real-time. The Kalman filter dynamically adapts to the changing conditions caused by bucket movement, maintaining measurement precision despite the dynamic mounting environment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple correction mechanisms (tone calibrator, pulse corrector, sequence migration) are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by applying multiple correction mechanisms in a continuous signal processing chain. The tone calibrator, pulse corrector, and sequence migration unit work continuously and sequentially to refine the detection signal, maintaining high precision without interrupting the digging operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses intermediary elements (tone calibrator and pulse corrector) that mediate between the raw GPR signal and the final hazard detection. These intermediaries progressively refine the signal, with each component serving as a stepping stone toward the final high-precision detection result.
4Measurement precision
If pre-site surveys and expert interpretation are required, then utility detection capability is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to offline preparation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-mounting the GPR unit on the digging machine bucket before the digging operation begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for separate pre-site surveys and offline map preparation, as the system is already positioned and ready to detect utilities in real-time during excavation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical process of pre-site surveys and expert interpretation with an automated electronic detection system. The GPR unit with its integrated processing chain substitutes the manual survey and analysis process, enabling real-time detection without time-consuming offline preparation.
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, real-time detection of underground utilities during digging, reducing the need for pre-site surveys and expert interpretation, and minimizing utility strikes by integrating detection with the digging process.
Implementation Method 1
GPR (ground penetrating radar) is the most universal detection method because it detects a material discontinuity regardless of the nature of the material
Implementation Method 2
the data processor includes a radar controller to transmit and receive pulses in both a SFCW (stepped frequency continuous wave) manner and a SFICW (stepped frequency interrupted continuous wave) manner
Data Source
AI summary
A GPR (ground penetrating radar) system includes a digging machine having a bucket, a GPR unit and a post-processing unit. The GPR unit is mounted on the bucket and includes at least one GPR antenna and a data processor. Both the at least one antenna and the data processor are mounted within the bucket. The data processor detects a presence of a hazard during a progressive removal of layers of soil. The post-processing unit is installed in a cabin of the digging machine and provides an alert when the data processor detects the hazard during the removal of soil.