Portable Locator Virtual Drop-Line HDD Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal directional drilling (HDD) systems face challenges in accurately navigating underground utility line installations when the starting and ending positions are not directly accessible, particularly when drilling under obstacles like rivers or highways, or when there is no line of sight between the two points.
Innovation Solution
A portable locator device with a touchscreen interface and positioning system receiver, including GNSS and local positioning technologies, determines starting and ending positions and constructs a virtual drop-line, providing real-time instructions to operators to maintain the drill path along this line, even when the endpoint is not visible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional drilling methods are used without direct line of sight, then drilling operations can be performed, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual drop-line as an intermediary reference element that connects the starting point and ending point of the drilling operation. This virtual line serves as a mediator to maintain positioning accuracy even when direct line of sight is unavailable, allowing the drill to follow a precise path through complex terrain or obstacles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface navigation to three-dimensional spatial positioning by incorporating elevation data and vertical positioning components. The virtual drop-line extends into the vertical dimension, allowing accurate drilling through terrain variations and obstacles by reference to a three-dimensional coordinate system rather than just surface landmarks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If starting and ending positions are not directly accessible, then drilling under obstacles becomes possible, but navigation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical drop-line by establishing a digital representation of the straight line between starting and ending points. This virtual drop-line can be displayed on screens and referenced by operators, providing a simplified navigation aid that replicates the function of a physical chalk line or string without requiring actual physical markers in difficult-to-access locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations to establish the virtual drop-line before the actual drilling operation begins. By pre-calculating the optimal drilling path and establishing reference points in advance, the navigation system reduces real-time complexity and provides clear directional guidance during the drilling process.
3Measurement precision
If virtual drop-line is implemented, then positioning accuracy is maintained without line of sight, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single positioning system that can operate both with and without direct line of sight. The same virtual drop-line infrastructure serves multiple purposes: it provides positioning guidance, displays on-screen references, and maintains accuracy across various terrain conditions, eliminating the need for separate systems for different operating scenarios.
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 and accurate underground drilling operations by guiding the drill along a virtual path, ensuring correct placement of utility lines without direct line of sight, and facilitating navigation through complex terrains and obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
A portable locator device with a touchscreen interface and positioning system receiver, including GNSS and local positioning technologies
Data Source
AI summary
A portable locator device includes a display for providing instructions to an operator, an interface for receiving inputs from the operator, a positioning system receiver for receiving locating signals, and a controller operatively coupled with the display and communicatively coupled with the interface and the positioning system receiver. The controller is configured to determine a first position of the portable locator device, receive a first input from the interface indicative of an ending position proximate to the first position, determine a second position of the portable locator device, receive a second input from the interface indicative of a starting position proximate to the second position, determine a virtual drop-line between the starting position and the ending position, and provide instructions via the display for moving from the starting position to the ending position along the virtual drop-line.