Haptic Directional Feedback Handles for Buried Object Locators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility locating systems rely on auditory and visual feedback, which can distract users and pose safety risks in hazardous environments, such as heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions, when attempting to locate buried objects like pipes and cables.
Innovation Solution
A haptic feedback system that provides tactile directional information to users through a handle or wearable devices, using modulated vibrations, frequency, and amplitude to indicate the direction, distance, and depth of buried objects, allowing users to maintain situational awareness while navigating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If auditory and visual feedback mechanisms are used to provide directional information about buried objects, then users can obtain location guidance, but user safety deteriorates due to distraction from situational awareness in hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces auditory and visual feedback systems with a haptic feedback system that uses tactile sensations through the handle. The haptic system employs vibration motors and mechanical feedback mechanisms to convey directional information about buried objects through touch, eliminating the need for distracting visual displays and auditory signals while maintaining effective communication of location data to the user
Solution Approach 2:
The handle serves as an intermediary device between the detection system and the user. It translates electromagnetic field detection data into tactile haptic signals that the user can perceive through touch. This intermediary mechanism allows information transfer without requiring the user to directly process visual or auditory stimuli that would compromise situational awareness
2Ease of operation
If visual displays and auditory signals are used to trace buried objects, then location guidance is provided, but the risk to users and drivers deteriorates in heavy traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes visual displays and auditory signals with haptic tactile feedback delivered through the handle. This mechanical feedback system conveys directional guidance information through vibration patterns and tactile sensations, allowing users to trace buried objects while maintaining full visual and auditory awareness of surrounding traffic conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system provides self-service directional guidance through the handle, delivering location information directly to the user's sense of touch. This eliminates the need for external visual or auditory communication channels that would compete with environmental awareness, allowing users to receive guidance while naturally monitoring their surroundings
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 haptic feedback system enhances user safety by providing intuitive, hands-free location information, reducing the risk of accidents and improving the precision of locating buried objects in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
one or more haptic feedback components disposed within the handle of the buried object locator
Data Source
AI summary
Locating devices and systems providing haptic tactile feedback are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locator includes a haptic handle configured to provide directional signals through an operator's sense of touch to aid in locating and tracing a buried conductor or other object such as a pipe or cable.