Electronic Marker Locator Validation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locators for buried electronic markers lack a validation mechanism to ensure the transmission antenna operates within factory calibration limits, which can reduce the accuracy of marker location depth estimation.
Innovation Solution
A locator with a validation mode that generates a test oscillatory magnetic field, using both reception antennas to detect and digitize the signal, and a processor to calculate a validation value against calibration data, ensuring the transmission antenna's operation is within predetermined limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the transmission antenna operates at high power to improve detection range, then the marker location can be detected from greater distances, but the reception antenna may become saturated leading to reduced measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The validation mode performs preliminary testing of the transmission antenna using a test oscillatory magnetic field with reduced power before actual marker detection. This preliminary action ensures the antenna operates within calibration limits and prevents saturation during normal operation, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving detection range capabilities
2Measurement precision
If the transmission antenna power is reduced to prevent reception antenna saturation, then measurement precision is maintained, but the detection range and effectiveness of the locator is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission power based on operational mode. In validation mode, reduced power is used to prevent saturation and maintain precision. In normal detection mode, the full power capability is available to maximize detection range. The validation ensures the antenna can safely operate at full power without causing saturation
3Device complexity
If no validation mechanism is implemented to simplify the device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of depth estimation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A validation mode is implemented that performs preliminary testing of the transmission antenna using a test oscillatory magnetic field. The system generates validation data by detecting the test field with reception antennas and comparing it against expected calibration values. This preliminary validation ensures the antenna operates within calibrated parameters, guaranteeing reliability of subsequent depth estimations without requiring continuous complex validation during normal operation
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 validation process ensures the locator's accuracy in determining the depth of buried markers by preventing antenna saturation and maintaining operational integrity, thereby enhancing the reliability of marker location detection.
Implementation Method 1
An oscillatory electric current may be induced in this circuit by an externally applied pulse or pulses of magnetic flux linking the coil. The oscillatory current in the coil gives rise to an oscillatory magnetic field around the coil.
Implementation Method 2
The presence of this oscillatory magnetic field may be detected, allowing the position of the marker to be determined.
Data Source
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AI summary
A locator for locating a buried electromagnetic marker is operable to generate a test signal in order to validate that the locator is operating in accordance with calibration data. The locator comprises a transmission antenna and a first reception antenna. The transmission antenna is configured to generate a first oscillatory magnetic field to couple with an electromagnetic marker and the first reception antenna is configured to receive an oscillatory magnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic marker. In order to validate the operation of the locator, the transmission antenna is configured to generate a test oscillatory magnetic field, and the first reception antenna is configured to receive the test oscillatory magnetic field and thereby generate a first detected test signal.