Integrated Buried Utility Locator With Tank Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker devices and locator systems cannot simultaneously detect buried utilities and send excitation signals to marker devices without interfering with each other, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in size, power, range, and data capability, and are often expensive.
Innovation Solution
An integrated buried utility locator system that includes a marker device excitation transmitter module and a front end subsystem capable of receiving signals from both buried utilities and marker devices while sending excitation signals continuously, using a marker device excitation transceiver module with a tank circuit to increase the quality factor of the coil antenna, allowing simultaneous operation without significant interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate transmitters and receivers are used for marker devices and utility locators, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmitter and receiver into a single integrated utility locator device. The transmitter generates excitation signals for marker devices while the receiver detects signals from both marker devices and buried utilities, merging previously separate functions into one unified system that reduces complexity and cost while maintaining operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated utility locator is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting excitation signals to marker devices, receiving signals from marker devices, and simultaneously detecting electromagnetic signals from buried utilities. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function
2Productivity
If excitation signals are sent continuously to marker devices, then operational efficiency is improved, but signal interference with utility detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed excitation signals rather than continuous transmission. The transmitter sends excitation signals in periodic pulses to marker devices, allowing the receiver to detect utility signals during the intervals between pulses when no excitation signal is being transmitted, thus reducing interference while maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system enables continuous operation by rapidly alternating between transmitting excitation signals and receiving/detecting signals. This continuous cycle of transmit-receive operations maintains high productivity while the receiver is actively detecting during transmit intervals, ensuring uninterrupted utility detection capability
3Productivity
If integrated locator receives signals while excitation signals are being sent, then productivity is improved, but signal detection precision deteriorates due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsed excitation where the transmitter sends signals in discrete pulses followed by receive intervals. During these receive intervals when no excitation signal is active, the receiver can detect utility and marker device signals with high precision, eliminating interference while maintaining continuous operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary signal processing and filtering during the receive intervals before excitation pulses are sent. By preparing detection pathways and filtering out anticipated interference frequencies in advance, the system optimizes signal detection precision when the actual measurement occurs during interference-free intervals
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 simultaneous detection of buried utilities and marker devices, improving operational efficiency and reducing costs by eliminating the need for separate transmitters and receivers, while maintaining continuous operation and accurate data processing.
Implementation Method 1
using a marker device excitation transceiver module with a tank circuit to increase the quality factor of the coil antenna
Implementation Method 2
integrated electromagnetic utility locators to simultaneously detect buried utilities, send marker device excitation signals, and/or receive marker device signals
Data Source
AI summary
Buried utility locator systems, including a locator including an integrated marker device excitation transmitter for generating and sending a marker device excitation signal to one or more marker devices, are disclosed.