Omnidirectional Coil Inducer for Buried Utility Signal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmitter devices for locating buried or hidden utilities often require physical connection, are prone to user error due to single-axis operation, and may select suboptimal frequencies, leading to inefficient signal induction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) device with multiple antenna coils that can switch between frequencies, provide capacitive coupling to the Earth's surface, and integrate with GPS or other timing systems for synchronization with buried object locators, enabling efficient signal induction and location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-axis transmitter is used to induce signals, then the device structure is simple, but user error occurs due to incorrect orientation placement
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter is divided into multiple independent coil assemblies arranged in different orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, angled). Each coil assembly can be independently controlled to transmit signals along different axes, eliminating the need for precise manual orientation while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is designed with multiple coil assemblies that can collectively perform signal induction in all spatial directions. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace multiple single-axis transmitters, ensuring reliable signal induction regardless of conductor orientation or placement errors.
2Device complexity
If manual frequency selection is required, then the device structure is simple, but suboptimal frequency selection reduces induction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter incorporates a dynamic frequency selection system that automatically adjusts operating frequency based on real-time feedback from the conductor being tested. The system can switch between multiple predefined frequencies or continuously optimize frequency selection, ensuring optimal induction efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes feedback mechanisms that monitor signal induction effectiveness and automatically adjust frequency selection accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the transmitter operates at the most efficient frequency for each specific conductor type and condition, maximizing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If physical connection is made to the conductor, then signal induction is reliable, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the physical connection requirement by using electromagnetic induction through air or ground coupling. The transmitter coils generate electromagnetic fields that directly induce currents in nearby conductors without requiring physical contact, eliminating the time-consuming connection process while maintaining reliable signal induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the transmitter and the conductor. Instead of direct physical contact, the transmitter coils create electromagnetic fields that penetrate through air, soil, or building materials to induce signals in hidden conductors, simplifying operation while ensuring reliable signal transmission.
4Measurement precision
If multiple antenna coils are used for omnidirectional transmission, then location accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter employs asymmetric coil arrangements with different orientations and configurations optimized for specific detection scenarios. Rather than using identical coils in all directions, the system uses strategically positioned coils with varying geometries to achieve omnidirectional coverage while minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple coil assemblies are merged into a single integrated transmitter unit with shared control electronics and power supply. The coils are electrically and mechanically combined in a compact configuration, achieving omnidirectional signal induction capability without proportionally increasing device complexity through shared components and unified control.
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 omni-inducer device effectively induces signals in buried conductors, improving location accuracy and efficiency by allowing multiple frequency use and synchronization with locators, reducing user error and enhancing mapping capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter element may be powered, for instance, by battery and be enabled to induce signal in one or more frequencies
Implementation Method 2
The omnidirectional antenna element may include a number of coils arranged to transmit signal in all directions
Implementation Method 3
The conductive undercarriage or foot section(s) may be configured such that when the omni-inducer device is in use, the device may make conductive and/or capacitive coupling to the Earth's surface providing grounding to the device
Data Source
AI summary
Omnidirectional electromagnetic signal inducer (omni-inducer) devices are disclosed. The omni-inducer device may include a housing, which may include a conductive base for coupling signals to ground, and an omnidirectional antenna node including a plurality of antenna coil assemblies, where the node may be disposed on or within the housing. The omni-inducer device may further include one or more transmitter modules for generating ones of a plurality of output signals, which may be generated at ones of a plurality of different frequencies, and one or more control circuits configured to control the transmitters and/or other circuits to selectively switch the ones of the plurality of output signals between ones of the plurality of antenna coil assemblies.