Drill Head Obstacle Detection Using Direct Digital Synthesizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal drilling devices face challenges in detecting obstacles due to the limitations of micropower impulse radar (MIR) and the harsh environmental conditions and space constraints of the drill head, which can lead to interference and electronic component wear.
Innovation Solution
The use of a Direct Digital Synthesizer (DDS) for generating electromagnetic waves, allowing for higher power transmission and processing of reflected signals above ground, reducing the complexity of electronic components in the drill head and enabling more effective obstacle detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radar unit is integrated in the drill head to monitor the region in front of the drill head, then obstacle detection capability is improved, but the electronic components in the drill head are subject to extensive wear and damages due to harsh environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal processing functions from the drill head environment and relocates them to surface-based equipment. The drill head retains only the essential radar transmission and reception capabilities, while a control unit on the surface performs the complex signal processing, waveform generation, and obstacle detection algorithms. This separation removes vulnerable electronic components from the harsh drilling environment while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system (drill string with embedded conductors) that transmits radar signals and processed data between the drill head and surface equipment. This intermediary allows the drill head to function in the harsh environment while connecting to protected surface-based processing equipment, effectively mediating between the two environments.
2Measurement precision
If the drill head is equipped with electronic devices for radar monitoring, then obstacle detection is enabled, but the device complexity and space requirements in the limited drill head increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts complex electronic functions (waveform generation, signal processing, data analysis) from the drill head and relocates them to surface-based equipment. The drill head contains only minimal components necessary for signal transmission and reception, dramatically reducing its electronic complexity while maintaining full obstacle detection capability through the surface-based control unit.
3Use of energy by moving object
If micropower impulse radar (MIR) is used in the drill head, then power consumption is reduced, but the transmission power and detection range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive waveform generation and signal processing functions from the drill head and relocates them to surface-based equipment with access to higher power sources. This allows the use of more powerful radar waveforms and higher transmission powers without being constrained by the limited power availability in the drill head, while the drill head itself consumes minimal power for signal transmission and reception.
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 solution enhances obstacle detection capabilities by transmitting higher power signals and processing them above ground, reducing wear on drill head components and improving navigation around underground obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
A DDS can be used. A DDS is a type of frequency synthesizer which can be used for creating arbitrary waveforms from a single, fixed-frequency reference clock
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic waves radiating from the radar unit are reflected from electrically discontinuities caused by parts of the obstacles and received again by the radar unit
Data Source
AI summary
A drill head for earth boring, in particular for a horizontal drilling device, includes a housing, a transmitter for generating a radio signal, an antenna and a receiver for receiving a reflected radio signal, wherein the transmitter which is adapted to generate the radio signal includes a direct digital synthesizer.