Buried Conductor Detector Multi-Frequency Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting buried current-carrying conductors lack sensitivity, dynamic range, and selectivity, and require multiple sweeps in different modes to locate conductors, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A portable detector using magnetic sensors to generate and process field strength signals from multiple frequency bands, allowing simultaneous processing and generation of audio and visual alerts for proximity detection, with features like ultra-narrow bandwidth processing and phase tracking to enhance signal integrity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency bands are processed sequentially in different modes, then detection coverage is improved, but detection time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency band processing capabilities into a single integrated detector that can simultaneously process very low frequency (VLF), mains power, and active mode signals. The detector uses a single sensor array and signal processing system to handle all frequency bands, eliminating the need for separate sweeps in different modes and achieving multi-frequency detection in one pass.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector is designed with universal functionality to detect conductors across multiple frequency bands using the same hardware platform. The signal processing system can operate in VLF mode, power mode, and active mode without requiring physical reconfiguration or separate detection passes, making the device adaptable to various detection scenarios while maintaining high efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If signal processing bandwidth is increased to detect conductors at various frequencies, then detection versatility is improved, but signal selectivity and sensitivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing system is segmented into multiple independent frequency band processing channels, each optimized for specific frequency ranges (VLF, mains power, active mode). Each channel applies dedicated filtering and signal processing techniques tailored to its frequency band, allowing the system to maintain high selectivity within each band while collectively covering a broad frequency spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector dynamically adjusts its processing bandwidth and filtering characteristics based on the detected signal frequency and mode. The system can switch between narrowband and wideband processing modes, and adaptively filter signals to maintain optimal selectivity across different operating conditions and frequency bands.
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 detector achieves high sensitivity (6 x 10^-15 Tesla) and dynamic range (141 dB rms / √Hz) with 120 dB attenuation, enabling precise location and depth calculation of buried conductors in a single sweep across multiple frequency bands, improving detection efficiency and user interface.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic sensors local to the conductor and above ground to generate first and second respective field strength signals each proportional to the strength of an electromagnetic field of known frequency bands produced by the conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A detector (1) for detecting a current carrying conductor determines the presence of a current carrying conductor one or more of passive or active modes. In the passive modes, the detector (1) detects either very low frequency radio signals re-radiated from a conductor or electromagnetic radiation produced by a conductor as a result of mains voltage carried in the conductor, or in a nearby conductor. In the active mode, an alternating signal from a dedicated signal generator is coupled into the buried conductor. Signals are induced in a pair of antennae (3, 5) in the detector (1), and the signals are processed in each of these modes simultaneously. The outputs of each of the modes are convolved to produce an audio and/or visual alert if a current carrying conductor is detected by any of these modes.