Magnetic Navigation Using Magnetometer and Conductive Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation methods for vehicles, especially in formation or low visibility conditions, rely heavily on GPS which can fail due to various reasons such as satellite denial, jamming, or adverse weather, and alternative methods like celestial, visual, or radar navigation lack precision and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system utilizing a magnetometer to sense AC magnetic fields from powerlines for precision navigation, including a magnetometer, a filter, a conductive loop, and a database to match magnetic field measurements with relative distances and orientations, allowing for GPS-independent navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for navigation, then position location is achieved, but reliability deteriorates under GPS-denied conditions (satellite denial, jamming, spoofing, adverse weather)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary medium for navigation. Instead of relying on GPS satellites, the system uses magnetic field signatures from powerlines and other infrastructure as intermediate references. The magnetometer detects these magnetic signatures, which serve as mediators between the vehicle and the navigation system, enabling position determination without direct GPS contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the GPS radio-frequency-based navigation system with a magnetic field-based system. By substituting the electromagnetic wave propagation mechanism (GPS signals) with magnetic field detection, the system achieves navigation capability that is resistant to jamming and spoofing, as magnetic fields cannot be easily interfered with remotely.
2Reliability
If radar navigation equipment is used, then navigation capability is improved, but weight increases and power cost becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive magnetometers instead of expensive radar equipment. The magnetometer is a relatively simple, low-cost device that can be easily integrated into vehicles. Rather than using heavy, power-intensive radar systems, the system relies on these simpler magnetic field sensors that provide sufficient navigation capability without the associated weight and power penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes radar's active electromagnetic wave transmission and reception mechanism with passive magnetic field detection. This replacement eliminates the need for heavy radar transmitters, antennas, and signal processing equipment, dramatically reducing system weight and power consumption while maintaining navigation functionality.
3Reliability
If Cat III landing equipment is installed, then low visibility landing capability is achieved, but weight increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive magnetometers and simple magnetic field detection electronics instead of expensive Cat III instrumentation landing systems. The magnetic navigation system provides sufficient guidance for low-visibility operations without requiring the heavy, costly equipment of traditional Category III approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electronic instrumentation and precision radio navigation of Cat III systems with a simpler magnetic field-based navigation approach. This substitution maintains the capability to operate in low visibility conditions while dramatically reducing equipment weight and complexity.
4Loss of information
If active sensing systems using RF emitters are used, then navigation information is obtained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive magnetic field detection where the vehicle's magnetometer detects existing magnetic field signatures from powerlines and infrastructure without requiring the vehicle to generate or transmit any energy. The system essentially 'services itself' by utilizing the ambient magnetic environment already present, eliminating the need for power-intensive active sensing transmitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes active RF emission and reception with passive magnetic field sensing. This replacement eliminates the power consumption associated with RF transmitters, amplifiers, and associated electronics, leaving only the low-power magnetometer and signal processing requirements.
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 navigation in GPS-denied environments and low visibility conditions, particularly suitable for formation maneuvering and swarm control of vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetometer on the vehicle to sense other magnetic fields such as magnetic fields from powerlines
Implementation Method 2
A conductive loop connected to an AC output generator, to create a magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A cooperative system of vehicles is disclosed, each of a first vehicle and a second vehicle having a magnetometer, a filter, a database, a conductive loop, and an AC output generator. The magnetometer is attached to measure a surrounding magnetic field, and the filter to isolate a sensed signal. The AC output generator is connected to the conductive loop to generate a magnetic field.