Autonomous Utility Line Marking With Drone-Based Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for marking underground utility lines are labor-intensive and inefficient, especially when covering large areas, and often require costly re-identification and re-marking due to obscured or removed markings during construction projects.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous marking system utilizing a drone equipped with detection equipment, a payload of marking material, and a delivery mechanism, which can autonomously detect underground infrastructure using ground-penetrating sensors and navigation systems to accurately mark locations with improved efficiency and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional human marking methods are used for utility lines, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but it requires extensive manual labor and is inefficient especially over large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical marking operations with an autonomous aerial vehicle equipped with sensors and marking equipment. The system uses automated navigation, ground-penetrating radar for detection, and mechanical spraying mechanisms to perform marking operations without human operators on the ground, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial vehicle operates autonomously to perform the complete marking process. It independently navigates to utility line locations, detects underground infrastructure using integrated sensors, and applies markings without requiring continuous human intervention or supervision, enabling the system to serve itself in completing the marking task.
2Reliability
If manual marking is performed, then equipment requirements are minimal, but markings may be obscured or removed during construction requiring costly re-identification and re-marking
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect existing markings and verify their integrity after application. This feedback mechanism allows the aerial vehicle to identify and re-mark areas where markings may have been obscured or removed, ensuring durable and reliable marking without requiring manual inspection and correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial vehicle performs detection and marking operations in a single autonomous pass using ground-penetrating radar and integrated marking equipment. By completing both detection and marking in one operation, the system prevents the need for subsequent re-identification and re-marking, thereby reducing time loss and ensuring marking durability.
3Productivity
If autonomous aerial vehicles are deployed for marking, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle is designed as a multi-functional platform that combines navigation systems, ground-penetrating radar for detection, and mechanical marking equipment. This universal design allows a single complex system to perform multiple functions (detection, navigation, and marking) that would otherwise require separate equipment and personnel, justifying the complexity increase through consolidated functionality.
4Reliability
If contractors perform multiple surveys to ensure marking accuracy, then reliability improves, but time consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous aerial vehicle performs continuous detection and marking operations in a single uninterrupted pass. The integrated sensors continuously monitor for existing markings and verify their integrity, eliminating the need for separate survey operations. This continuous action ensures marking accuracy while minimizing time consumption compared to multiple discrete survey cycles.
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 system enables efficient and reliable identification and marking of underground utilities, reducing manual labor and re-marking needs by using drones to detect and mark utility lines with precision, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The transceiver may be arranged to receive underground infrastructure data from the data network and/or ground-penetrating sensor
Implementation Method 2
a location sensor arranged to determine the location of the apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The delivery mechanism may include a spray head arranged to deliver a marking material such as paint to a surface
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous marking apparatus comprising a propulsion system, a location sensor, a payload assembly, one or more marking sensors, a transceiver, a data store, and a processor. The location sensor is arranged to determine the location of the apparatus. The payload assembly is arranged to carry a payload of marking material. The one or more marking sensors are arranged to scan an area in proximity to the apparatus. The transceiver is arranged to exchange data with a remote server via a data network. The data store is arranged to store a portion of the data. The processor is arranged to receive data from the location sensor, the one or more marking sensors, and from the transceiver. The processor is also arranged to send data to the transceiver and control the delivery of the payload at the location of the apparatus.