Loop Antenna Positioning for Construction Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for locating and identifying construction means at construction sites, such as GPS and RFID, face challenges with positional accuracy, interference from metal and water, and high costs, making them ineffective for smaller construction items and environments with obstructions.
Innovation Solution
The use of inductive communication via magnetic radiation and loop antennas to detect and identify construction means, which are less affected by metal bodies and water surfaces, and do not require line-of-sight contact, allowing for reliable and cost-effective positioning using a single loop antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for locating construction means, then position determination is possible, but positional accuracy deteriorates due to signal reflections and shieldings from metal obstacles and walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS radio wave-based electromagnetic systems with inductive communication using magnetic fields. Loop antennas generate magnetic fields that penetrate metal obstacles and water surfaces without reflection or shielding, eliminating the harmful effects that plague GPS systems in construction environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of electromagnetic wave type from radio waves (GPS) to magnetic fields (inductive communication). This parameter change allows the signal to interact differently with metal and water obstacles, transforming them from blocking/reflecting barriers into transparent media for position determination.
2Ease of manufacture
If RFID transponders are used for locating construction means, then cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to susceptibility to signal reflections from metal bodies and water surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID's radio wave-based electromagnetic communication with inductive communication using magnetic fields. This substitution maintains the cost-effectiveness of RFID while eliminating its vulnerability to metal and water interference, as magnetic fields pass through these materials without reflection or shielding.
3Measurement precision
If GPS systems are used for locating construction means, then position determination is possible, but device complexity increases due to requirement of multiple satellites and complex signal processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces GPS's complex satellite-based trilateration system with a simple inductive communication system using loop antennas. The magnetic field-based system requires only local loop antennas at construction sites, eliminating the need for satellite infrastructure and complex signal processing algorithms.
4Ease of manufacture
If RFID systems are used for locating construction means, then cost is reduced, but device complexity increases due to requirement of three separate antennas for triangulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces RFID's three-antenna triangulation requirement with a single loop antenna for inductive communication. The magnetic field-based system can determine position using signal strength variation around a single loop antenna, dramatically simplifying the hardware configuration while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 solution provides accurate and robust positioning of construction means even in environments with metal and water obstructions, reducing costs and complexity compared to GPS and RFID systems, enabling efficient monitoring and control of construction sites.
Implementation Method 1
The signal evaluation device (8) comprises at least one loop antenna (5) laid at the construction site (1) for receiving the identification signal of the signal transmitter (4) and for determining the position of the signal transmitter (4)
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling and/or monitoring and/or visualizing construction sites, including a detection device for detecting the position of a construction unit at the construction site, wherein the detection device includes a signal transmitter to be mounted on the construction unit for providing an identification signal identifying the construction unit, and a signal evaluation device for receiving and evaluating the identification signal in order to determine the position of the construction unit at the construction site. The signal evaluation device includes at least one loop antenna that is laid at the construction site for receiving the identification signal of the signal transmitter and for determining the position of the signal transmitter.