Magnetic Locator Using Multi-Sensor Fusion for Buried Utility Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional magnetic locators are costly, complex, and have variable sensitivity, requiring manual orientation and being limited in accuracy due to the use of flux-gate magnetic field sensors that attenuate odd harmonics, making them inefficient for detecting buried ferromagnetic objects.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic locator device equipped with a three-axis magnetic sensing module, a printed circuit board to process sensor signals, and a display circuit for visual and audible outputs, utilizing multiple magnetic sensor devices to determine magnetic field distortions and enhance accuracy through accelerometer and gyroscopic inputs, providing real-time dynamic displays of bearing towards ferromagnetic objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flux-gate magnetic field sensors are used, then the device structure is simplified, but the sensitivity and measurement precision deteriorate due to attenuation of odd harmonics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic sensor devices (including both flux-gate sensors and odd harmonic sensors) into a single integrated system. This merging allows the device to capture both fundamental and odd harmonic components of magnetic signals, thereby improving sensitivity and measurement precision while maintaining a unified device structure rather than requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locator is designed with multi-functional sensing capabilities that can detect both fundamental magnetic field components and odd harmonic components. This universal sensing approach allows a single device to perform multiple detection functions, improving overall measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If manual orientation to north pole is required, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical orientation operations with electronic/algorithmic solutions. The system uses sensor arrays and signal processing algorithms to automatically determine object bearing and position without requiring the user to manually orient the device to magnetic north. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with electronic automation improves ease of operation while managing device complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic locator performs self-orientation and automatic bearing calculation using its own sensor inputs and integrated processing capabilities. The device automatically determines its orientation and calculates object bearings without requiring external reference alignment by the user, making the operation self-service oriented and improving ease of use.
3Measurement precision
If the locator is carried close to the ground, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation and user comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple magnetic sensor devices positioned at different spatial locations and orientations within the device housing. By measuring magnetic field components from multiple dimensions and positions simultaneously, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring the entire device to be positioned close to the ground. The multi-dimensional sensing approach allows accurate detection while maintaining comfortable operational posture.
4Measurement precision
If multiple magnetic sensor devices are used, then the measurement precision and sensitivity improve, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple magnetic sensor devices into a single unified housing and processing system. By merging the sensors, power supply, signal processing, and output components into one integrated device, the manufacturing cost per unit is reduced compared to using multiple separate devices. The integrated design simplifies assembly and reduces overall system complexity despite incorporating multiple sensing elements.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs, improves sensitivity, and enhances the accuracy of magnetic locator devices by using multiple sensors to determine magnetic field distortions, providing effective detection of buried ferromagnetic objects with improved precision and user-friendly output displays.
Implementation Method 1
a three-axis magnetic sensing module, a printed circuit board or other module configured to receive and process sensor signals
Implementation Method 2
enhancing the accuracy of calculated bearings to a ferromagnetic object using the input from an embedded accelerometer, enhancing the accuracy of calculated bearings to a ferromagnetic object using the input from a gyroscopic integrated circuit device, and providing a dynamic display of bearing toward a ferromagnetic object by processing inputs from a plurality of sensors, such as magnetoresistive sensors, in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic locators and uses of such locators for detection of buried utilities are disclosed. Outputs provided from two or more three three-axis magnetic sensors based on magnetic field signals sensed at single points in space in three axes may be used to determine information about the buried utilities including position and/or depth of the buried utilities relative to the locator.