Removable Locator Assembly for Paint Marking Tools
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current buried asset detection and location procedures require technicians to carry separate devices for locating and marking underground utilities, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for frequent use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an electromagnetic locate device (ELD) with a handheld paint marking device, allowing for removable attachment and combined functionality in a single, user-friendly tool that locates buried assets and marks their positions on the ground with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If technicians use separate devices for locating and marking buried assets, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the technician must carry and operate multiple devices which increases device complexity and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electromagnetic locate device (ELD) and a handheld paint marking device into a single integrated assembly. The ELD unit is removably attachable to the paint marking device, allowing both functions to be performed with one hand while maintaining the ability to separate the components when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions: electromagnetic signal detection for locating buried assets, signal processing and display, and ground marking with paint. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for technicians to carry and coordinate separate devices for each function.
2Productivity
If technicians carry separate locating and marking devices, then each device can be specialized for its function, but the workflow becomes more time-consuming and less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the ELD and paint marking device into one assembly, the technician can perform locating and marking operations simultaneously with a single hand, eliminating the time required to switch between devices and coordinate their operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ELD unit is designed to be pre-attached to the paint marking device, so that when the technician needs to mark a buried asset, the locating function is already integrated and ready to use, eliminating setup time and workflow interruptions.
3Ease of operation
If the ELD is permanently integrated with the paint marking device, then the assembly is more convenient to use, but the components cannot be separated for individual maintenance or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is divided into separable components: the ELD unit and the paint marking device. They are connected through a mounting mechanism that allows easy attachment and detachment, enabling the technician to use the components together when needed and separate them for maintenance, repair, or replacement of individual parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting mechanism provides dynamic functionality, allowing the ELD unit to be attached to or removed from the paint marking device based on operational needs. This dynamic design maintains the benefits of integration during use while preserving the flexibility of separation for maintenance.
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
This integrated system enables more efficient, automated, and precise buried asset locating and marking procedures, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving workflow for field technicians.
Implementation Method 1
one or more electromagnetic antennas located along a length of the elongated element, the electromagnetic antennas configured for producing electromagnetic data responsive to an electromagnetic field emanating from a buried asset
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic locate device configured for removable attachment to a handheld paint marking device includes an elongated element extending substantially a length of the handheld paint marking device, a channel extending longitudinally along the elongated element, the channel configured for accepting at least a portion of the handheld paint marking device, fasteners located on the elongated element, the fasteners configured to fasten the handheld paint marking device to the elongated element, electromagnetic antennas located along a length of the elongated element, the electromagnetic antennas configured for producing electromagnetic data responsive to an electromagnetic field emanating from a buried asset, and a housing coupled to a top of the elongated element, the housing including a processor communicably coupled to the electromagnetic antennas and configured to process the electromagnetic data from the electromagnetic antennas, so as to produce buried asset data, and a display for displaying said buried asset data.