Hinged Flat-Jaw Magnetic Coupler for Buried Utility Signal Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic couplers for utility line location are limited by the need to coaxially surround cables, suffer from magnetic losses at specific frequencies, and face interference issues due to air-coupled signals, reducing their effectiveness in locating buried utilities, especially when space is limited or when cables are positioned irregularly.
Innovation Solution
A flat-jaw magnetic coupler with hinged frames and orthogonal cores emitting antiphase magnetic fields allows for close-proximity induction without surrounding the cable, accommodating various cable sizes and frequencies, including low frequencies, and minimizes air-coupled interference by adjusting to fit around cables in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing magnetic couplers coaxially surround cables, then magnetic coupling is achieved, but the device cannot accommodate various cable sizes and positions, especially in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupler is divided into two separate jaws that can be opened and closed independently around the cable. Each jaw contains its own magnetic core and transmitter, allowing the device to adapt to different cable diameters and positions by adjusting the opening angle between jaws, thereby achieving versatility while accommodating confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler employs a hinged connection between the two jaws, enabling dynamic adjustment of the jaw separation angle. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to various cable sizes and positions, particularly in confined spaces where fixed-geometry couplers would fail.
2Reliability
If traditional magnetic couplers are used, then signal induction occurs, but air-coupled signals cause interference and magnetic losses reduce efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the transmitters from a common housing and places them directly within the magnetic cores of the jaws. This extraction allows the magnetic fields to be generated directly at the points of contact with the cable, eliminating air gaps that cause both interference and energy loss, thereby improving signal induction accuracy while reducing magnetic losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic cores act as intermediaries between the transmitters and the cable. By placing transmitters inside the magnetic cores rather than in air, the magnetic field is efficiently channeled through the core material to the cable contact points, reducing air-coupled interference and minimizing energy loss in the magnetic path.
3Measurement precision
If locator and coupler are placed close together, then positioning precision improves, but air-coupled interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the transmitters and placing them directly within the magnetic cores that contact the cable, the invention eliminates the air gap between the coupler and cable. This allows the locator to be positioned close to the coupler for precise location measurement without suffering from air-coupled interference, as the magnetic coupling occurs directly at the cable contact points.
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 solution enables accurate location of utility lines with reduced interference and improved signal efficiency across a wide range of frequencies, allowing the locator and coupler to be placed closer together, enhancing precision and usability in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first electromagnetic transmitter capable of generating a first magnetic field. The second frame has a second jaw with a substantially planar surface and a second electromagnetic transmitter capable of generating a second magnetic field. The first magnetic field is antiphase to the second magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The hinged connection modifies an orientation between the first substantially planar surface and the second substantially planar surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic coupler for inducing a signal on a buried utility wire. The coupler has two elongated jaws, each extending along a separate longitudinal axis. The jaws are attached at a hinge. The jaws may be placed about an exposed portion of the utility wire. A signal generate provides a signal which is emitted from a transmitter in each of the jaws. The signals emitted from each jaw are antiphase to one another, such that they are additive to a utility wire disposed between the jaws but out of phase with respect to any utility not between the jaws. The signal is thus induced on the utility wire and can be detected as emitted from its below ground length by a conventional locator.