Concealed Conductor Locator Using In-Phase Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detectors for locating concealed conductors face accuracy issues due to interference from nearby conductors, particularly when determining the position and orientation of buried cables, as they struggle to differentiate between the magnetic fields emitted by the target conductor and adjacent conductors.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a locator system with multiple magnetic field detectors, including a reference field detector and first and second field detectors, which calculate the in-phase component of the magnetic fields to accurately determine the position and orientation of the concealed conductor, using processors to resolve components and provide precise indications of distance, rotation, and lateral displacement relative to the locator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single field detector is used to detect magnetic fields from concealed conductors, then the detection capability is simple, but the accuracy deteriorates due to interference from adjacent conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent field detectors, each sensitive to magnetic fields along specific axes. By dividing the detection function across multiple detectors oriented differently, the system can resolve the contribution of adjacent conductors through directional sensitivity, thereby improving position determination accuracy while managing device complexity through modular detector design.
2Measurement precision
If multiple field detectors are used to improve accuracy, then the position determination accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the multiple field detectors and the final position determination. The processor receives signals from detectors along different axes, calculates in-phase components to isolate the target conductor's signal from adjacent conductors, and synthesizes position and orientation information. This intermediary processing layer manages the complexity by systematically combining multiple detector inputs rather than requiring direct complex hardware integration.
3Reliability
If in-phase component calculation is used to filter interference, then the accuracy improves by differentiating target conductor signals, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter being measured from raw magnetic field magnitude to the in-phase component of the magnetic field signal. By transforming the detection parameter to focus on the phase relationship between the target conductor's signal and reference signals, the system can differentiate the target conductor from adjacent conductors based on phase coherence, improving reliability while the processing algorithm remains focused on a specific mathematical transformation.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of locating and orienting concealed conductors by minimizing interference from adjacent conductors, allowing for more precise excavation and reducing the risk of damaging buried utilities.
Implementation Method 1
Current carrying conductors emit electromagnetic radiation which can be detected by an electrical antenna
Implementation Method 2
Current carrying conductors emit electromagnetic radiation which can be detected by an electrical antenna
Data Source
AI summary
A locator for determining the location and/or orientation of a concealed conductor, comprising a reference field detector operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a reference axis; a first field detector operable to detect an alternating magnetic field along a first axis; and a processor operable to calculate an in-phase component of a signal detected by the first field detector, the in-phase component being in phase with a signal detected at the reference field detector and to calculate a signal indicative of a position of the concealed conductor relative to the locator using at least the in-phase component.