Keyed Current Signal Utility Locating System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional utility locating systems fail to accurately identify the type of buried or hidden utilities and are inefficient in data transfer, leading to potential hazards and costly damages due to inaccurate location and communication limitations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a signal keying utility locating system that uses modulation schemes like amplitude shift keying (ASK) or frequency shift keying (FSK) to encode data onto current signals transmitted to utilities, allowing for the decoding of utility type and location information through magnetic field signals, utilizing digital filtering techniques and synchronized timing to enhance data processing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional utility locating systems are used to detect magnetic field signals, then basic positional locating can be achieved, but additional useful information such as utility type cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated system: the transmitter generates keyed current signals that encode utility type information, the magnetic field signals carry both location and identification data simultaneously, and the locator processes both types of information through unified signal processing circuits, eliminating the need for separate identification devices
Solution Approach 2:
The utility locating system is designed to perform multiple functions: it locates utilities by detecting magnetic field signals, identifies utility types through keyed signal decoding, and provides depth information, all within a single system framework that can handle various utility types (gas, water, electric, communication) through the same hardware platform
2Productivity
If existing systems with inter-communication capabilities are used, then some information sharing between locator and transmitter can be achieved, but communications and data transfer are inefficient and limited in information carrying capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional analog or simple digital communication to a multi-dimensional signal encoding approach where utility type information is embedded in the frequency, amplitude, or phase dimensions of the keyed current signals, allowing multiple data streams to be transmitted simultaneously through the magnetic field without requiring separate communication channels
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes signal parameter modulation (frequency shift keying, amplitude shift keying, or phase shift keying) to encode utility type information, where different utility types are represented by different signal parameters, enabling efficient data transfer by varying signal characteristics rather than requiring additional communication bandwidth
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
This approach enables precise identification of utility types and locations, improving the accuracy and efficiency of utility locating operations by enhancing data transfer and processing capabilities, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and infrastructure damage.
Implementation Method 1
a keyed current output signal is generated and provided to a coupling apparatus for coupling to a utility. A magnetic field signal is received at a locator that results from the keyed current output signal flowing in the utility
Data Source
AI summary
A buried utility locating system includes a transmitter circuit including electronic circuits to generate keyed current signals for coupling to the buried utility including a signal generation module and an output current signal generation module, a direct or inductive coupling apparatus, and an associated utility locator for sensing magnetic field signals radiated from a buried utility and decode keying therein.