Integrated Line Locator With Active Metal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing line locator systems are unable to effectively locate both underground utility resources and other metallic objects, such as manhole covers, without increasing the size, shape, or weight of the instrument, and often require carrying additional bulky metal detectors.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a digital signal processor with a line locator and an active metal detector within the same housing, utilizing a configuration of antennas and a transmitter to detect magnetic fields and provide precise location of metal objects, including those not accessible for direct contact, without significantly increasing the device's size or weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a line locator system is integrated with an active metal detector, then the functionality is enhanced to locate both underground utility resources and other metallic objects, but the size and weight of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a line locator system and an active metal detector into a single integrated instrument housed in one housing. The line locator portion and metal detector portion share common structural support and housing, merging two previously separate devices into one unified system that provides both line locating and metal detection capabilities without requiring personnel to carry multiple separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: it can locate underground utility lines through the line locator portion and simultaneously detect metallic objects through the metal detector portion. The system is designed to be a universal tool that replaces the need for separate specialized devices, allowing field personnel to perform both line locating and metal detection tasks with a single instrument.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a line locator system is integrated with an active metal detector, then the functionality is enhanced to locate both underground utility resources and other metallic objects, but the volume of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a line locator system and an active metal detector into a single integrated instrument housed in one housing. The line locator portion and metal detector portion share common structural support and housing, merging two previously separate devices into one unified system that provides both line locating and metal detection capabilities without requiring personnel to carry multiple separate instruments.
3Measurement precision
If balance circuits are added to balance detector coils, then the detection precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance circuit automatically adjusts and balances the detector coils without requiring manual intervention or complex external adjustment mechanisms. The circuit self-regulates the balance between coils to optimize detection performance, eliminating the need for manual balancing procedures or additional complex control systems.
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 location of underground cables and other metal objects, enhancing the functionality of line locator systems with integrated metal detection capability without increasing the instrument's size or weight, improving operational efficiency for field personnel.
Implementation Method 1
an active metal detector mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor, the active metal detector including: a first receive antenna mounted in the housing, a second receive antenna mounted in the housing of the line locator parallel with the first receive antenna and a distance from the first receive antenna along a direction perpendicular to a plane of the first receive antenna, and a transmitter antenna mounted between the first receive antenna and the second antenna, which are oriented to provide opposite reactions to the magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the active metal detector including: a first receive antenna mounted in the housing, a second receive antenna mounted in the housing of the line locator parallel with the first receive antenna and a distance from the first receive antenna along a direction perpendicular to a plane of the first receive antenna
Implementation Method 3
a line locator portion mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor, the line locator portion detecting magnetic fields generated off a target line as a result of a transmitted signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4A
Figure 4B
AI summary
A line locator system that includes a metal detector is disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, the line locator system includes a digital signal processor in a housing; a line locator portion mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor; and an active metal detector mounted in the housing and coupled to the digital signal processor.