Magnetic Marker for Underground Valve Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating buried infrastructure, such as tracer wires and detectable tapes, face challenges like signal disruption due to breaks or corrosion, and inability to precisely locate specific components like valves without excavation.
Innovation Solution
A marker device comprising a cover, a magnetic field detectable marker, and a holder formed from a compliant material, which is securely attached to an underground valve cap, allowing for precise location using a magnetic field detecting device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tracer wire is used to mark buried infrastructure, then the path can be located using a magnetic field detecting device, but the signal may be disrupted due to breaks, corrosion, or poor connections making detection unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the continuous tracer wire system into discrete, independent magnetic markers that can be individually attached to infrastructure components. Each marker functions as an independent detection target, eliminating the need for continuous electrical connectivity and immune to signal disruption from breaks or corrosion in traditional tracer wire systems.
2Measurement precision
If conventional path marking with tape and markers is used, then the general path can be located, but specific components like valves cannot be precisely identified without excavation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic marker is designed to be self-identifying through its unique magnetic signature. When detected by a magnetic field detecting device, the marker automatically indicates the precise location of the attached valve or component, eliminating the need for manual search or excavation of test holes to locate specific infrastructure elements.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If detectable tape is used to mark buried infrastructure, then the path can be detected with a metal detector, but the tape corrodes over time creating spotty paths with sections missing
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic marker is designed as a replacement for long-lasting but corroding metal tape. While the marker itself is durable, the system accepts that individual markers may need replacement over time, but each marker maintains full detection capability throughout its service life, avoiding the progressive degradation and spotty detection paths characteristic of corroding continuous tape 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
The marker device provides stable and secure placement of the marker, enabling precise location of buried infrastructure components without the need for excavation, even in rugged underground environments.
Implementation Method 1
a marker detectable underground by a magnetic field detecting locating device
Data Source
AI summary
A marker device for locating buried infrastructure comprises a cover, a marker detectable underground by a magnetic field detecting locating device; and a holder formed from a compliant material. The marker has a diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the cover. The marker is secured between an inner surface of the cover and a first surface of the holder. The holder is configured to attach to an outer surface of a utility valve cap of an underground valve.