Ground Tracking Wheel Assembly for Buried Utility Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating buried utilities are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the lack of accurate position and motion tracking, particularly during excavation, as they often rely on manual detection and do not provide real-time data on the movement and orientation of tracking devices relative to the ground surface.
Innovation Solution
A ground tracking system equipped with sensors such as accelerometers, compasses, and GPS receivers, integrated into a wheel assembly that maintains contact with the ground, providing position and motion data in multiple axes, and using magnetic dipole beacons to induce current in buried objects for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual detection methods are used to locate buried utilities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of position tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical detection methods with an automated electronic ground tracking system that uses sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers) and signal processing to automatically track the position and orientation of the locator relative to the ground surface, eliminating the need for manual measurement techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary ground tracking device that acts as a mediator between the locator and the ground surface. This tracking device includes sensors and processing circuits that automatically determine position and orientation information, serving as an intermediary system that enables precise tracking without direct manual intervention
2Reliability
If real-time position and motion tracking is implemented, then the reliability and safety improve, but the device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground tracking device is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs multiple tasks: tracking position, measuring orientation, detecting motion, and providing real-time feedback. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated device, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the ground tracking device continuously monitors position and orientation data and provides real-time feedback to the operator. This feedback loop enhances safety by enabling immediate adjustment of excavation operations based on current locator position, while the automated feedback reduces the complexity of manual monitoring
3Measurement precision
If automated ground tracking with multiple sensors is used, then the measurement precision improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than continuous monitoring at maximum capacity. The ground tracking device periodically updates position and orientation information based on motion detection thresholds, reducing energy consumption during periods of stability while maintaining high measurement precision when motion occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring intensity based on operational conditions. When the locator is stationary or moving slowly, the system reduces sampling rate and processing intensity. When motion thresholds are exceeded, the system increases monitoring frequency and processing power, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed
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
Enables precise tracking of buried objects' position and motion, enhancing safety by providing real-time data for operators, reducing the risk of accidents during excavation and improving the efficiency of utility location processes.
Implementation Method 1
using magnetic dipole beacons to induce current in buried objects for detection
Data Source
AI summary
A ground tracking system including a ground follower assembly for use with a locator or other device for determining position, motion, and/or orientation information is disclosed. The ground follower assembly may include a wheel assembly coupled to a locator and configured to swivel and/or pivot relative to an antenna node of the locator to generate signals for use in determining position information during a locate operation, such as from a sonde array.