Multi-Coil Underground Transmitter for Wide-Range HDD Locating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current underground transmitters in the HDD industry have limited frequency ranges, requiring separate transmitters for optimal performance in different situations, such as high passive interference locations and deep operations.
Innovation Solution
An underground transmitter with a multi-coil antenna structure, featuring coils with different inductances optimized for specific frequency ranges, allowing the same transmitter to efficiently transmit signals across a wide frequency range of 0.3-50 KHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single transmitter is used with limited frequency range, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different locating environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is divided into multiple independent coils, each with different inductance values optimized for specific frequency ranges. This segmentation allows the system to cover a broad frequency spectrum (0.3-50 KHz) by selecting appropriate coils for different locating environments, resolving the contradiction between wide frequency coverage and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is designed with multi-functional capability by integrating multiple coils that can operate across different frequency ranges. This universal design enables a single transmitter to replace multiple specialized transmitters, improving adaptability to various locating conditions while maintaining reasonable device complexity through shared control circuitry.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transmitters with different frequency ranges are used, then adaptability to different environments is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter incorporates dynamic switching capability that allows real-time selection between different coils based on the locating environment and frequency requirements. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for manual transmitter selection or replacement, improving ease of operation while maintaining environmental adaptability through automated or semi-automated coil selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If coils with different inductances are integrated in one transmitter, then frequency range coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple coils with different inductances are merged into a single antenna assembly with unified mounting and shared control circuitry. This combining approach achieves wide frequency range coverage (0.3-50 KHz) while minimizing device complexity by integrating multiple functions into a single structural unit rather than using separate transmitter devices.
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 efficient transmission of locating signals across the entire 0.3-50 KHz frequency range using a single transmitter, improving locating accuracy and operational depth without the need for multiple transmitters.
Implementation Method 1
A low-inductance coil can be optimized for transmitting high frequencies, such as 4-45 kHz or 4-50 kHz. A high-inductance coil can be optimized for transmitting low frequencies, such as 0.3-4 kHz.
Data Source
AI summary
An underground transmitter can be configured for use with a drill head and configured for wireless communication. The underground transmitter can include a control circuitry and a multi-coil antenna assembly. The control circuitry is configured for transmitting data associated with an operation of the drill head. The multi-core antenna can include an antenna core and a plurality of distinct wire coils. The plurality of distinct wire coils can be positioned proximate (e.g., around) the antenna core, with the distinct wire coils each having a different inductance associated therewith and thereby capable of transmitting in a separate frequency range. The control circuitry can be selectably coupled with the distinct wire coils to control which of the distinct wire coils are activated and thereby generating data signals at a given time.