Distributed Beacon Sensing for Tunneling Device Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tunneling devices face challenges in navigating underground environments due to limited ability to detect environmental characteristics and communicate effectively, leading to hindered travel and access.
Innovation Solution
A distributed communication and sensing system with beacons inside and outside the tunnel, coupled with a controller, compares signals to determine environmental characteristics and operating parameters, enabling robust communication and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tunneling device travels through underground locations with varying conditions and obstacles, then the tunneling device can access and displace material to form tunnels, but the travel and access are hindered due to limited ability to detect environmental characteristics and objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces beacons as intermediary devices that transmit signals between the tunneling device and external systems. These beacons enable the tunneling device to detect environmental characteristics and obstacles by receiving and comparing signals from multiple beacons, thereby overcoming the limited native detection capability of the tunneling device itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing systems with electromagnetic signal-based detection. Instead of relying on physical contact or mechanical sensors to detect environmental characteristics, the system uses beacons that transmit electromagnetic signals which are compared by the controller to determine environmental features and guide navigation
2Extent of automation
If the tunneling device is equipped with basic communication capabilities, then the device can operate autonomously, but communication between the tunneling device and other systems is limited because the device and systems are not configured for robust exchange of information
Solution Approach 1:
The beacon system serves multiple functions: it provides navigation guidance, enables environmental detection, and facilitates robust communication between the tunneling device and external systems. This multi-functional approach allows the system to maintain autonomous operation while ensuring reliable information exchange through a unified communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the controller compares signals from multiple beacons to determine the tunneling device's position and environmental characteristics. This feedback loop enables autonomous operation by continuously adjusting navigation based on real-time signal comparison and environmental detection
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tunneling device including a body assembly configured to move through an interior cavity of a tunnel. The system also includes a distributed communication and sensing system and a controller. The distributed communication and sensing system includes a first beacon coupled to the body assembly, and a second beacon positioned outside of the tunnel. The second beacon is communicatively coupled to the first beacon. The controller is configured to compare a first signal transmitted by the first beacon to a second signal transmitted by the second beacon, determine an environmental characteristic of the tunnel based on the first signal and the second signal, and determine an operating parameter for the tunneling device based on the environmental characteristic.