Dual-Axis Locator for Buried Marker Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for determining the depth of buried electronic markers are highly sensitive to measurement errors and require the user to lift the apparatus through a predefined distance, introducing additional error and inaccuracy.
Innovation Solution
A locator system with two reception antennas displaced along the major axis, allowing for simultaneous measurement of magnetic field magnitudes without changing the apparatus position, reducing sensitivity to errors and eliminating the need for precise distance estimation between measurement positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system is raised above the first position by a pre-defined distance to measure magnetic field magnitude at a second position, then the depth of the marker can be estimated, but the system becomes highly sensitive to measurement errors and requires precise distance estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the single measurement function into two separate reception antennas positioned at different heights. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of magnetic field magnitudes at two different positions without moving the apparatus, eliminating errors associated with manual distance estimation and reducing sensitivity to measurement errors in the depth calculation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-position measurement approach to a multi-position simultaneous measurement approach by adding the vertical dimension with two antennas at different heights. This dimensional change enables the system to obtain multiple measurement points without physical movement, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining depth estimation capability
2Measurement precision
If the user lifts the apparatus through a predefined distance between measurement positions, then depth calculation can be performed, but additional error sources are introduced and user inconvenience increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the measurement function across two fixed antennas, the system eliminates the need for users to manually lift and reposition the apparatus. The segmentation of measurement responsibilities between two stationary sensors simplifies the user operation to a single stable positioning action while maintaining accurate depth calculation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The two reception antennas are pre-positioned at different heights along the major axis before measurement begins. This preliminary arrangement of measurement positions eliminates the need for users to perform the lifting action during operation, thereby improving ease of use while ensuring accurate depth calculation through pre-configured spatial separation
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 provides increased accuracy in depth calculation and reduces user inconvenience by maintaining a fixed antenna separation, minimizing errors due to noise and variations in signal strength.
Implementation Method 1
An oscillatory electric current may be induced in this circuit by an externally applied pulse or pulses of magnetic flux linking the coil. The oscillatory current in the coil gives rise to an oscillatory magnetic field around the coil.
Implementation Method 2
The first reception antenna of the two reception antennas is configured to couple with an oscillatory magnetic field parallel to the major axis emitted by the electromagnetic marker and to generate a first detected signal.
Data Source
AI summary
A locator for determining the depth of a buried electromagnetic marker includes a transmission antenna and two reception antennas. The locator has a major axis and is configured. The transmission antenna is configured to generate an oscillatory magnetic field parallel to the major axis. The first reception antenna of the two reception antennas is configured to couple with an oscillatory magnetic field parallel to the major axis emitted by the electromagnetic marker and to generate a first detected signal. The second reception antenna is displaced along the major axis from the first antenna and configured to couple with an oscillatory magnetic field parallel to the major axis emitted by the electromagnetic marker and to generate a second detected signal. The locator includes analogue to digital converters and a processor which is configured to calculate the depth of the electromagnetic marker.