Satellite-Corrected Positioning for Horizontal Drilling Data Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal directional drilling systems face challenges in achieving high-precision positioning and data logging due to limitations in satellite navigation accuracy and the high cost of continuous correction services, as well as the bulkiness and expense of survey-grade receivers.
Innovation Solution
A portable locator device equipped with satellite navigation and an RTK base station that uses RF and cellular connectivity for precise positioning, eliminating the need for continuous internet connections and costly subscriptions, allowing for sub-inch accuracy data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If survey-grade receivers and continuous correction services are used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a portable locator device with standard satellite navigation capabilities combined with periodic correction data downloads, replacing the need for expensive continuous correction services and survey-grade equipment. The system achieves sufficient accuracy for drilling operations without requiring continuously operating complex correction infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service positioning by allowing the portable locator to autonomously download correction data when connectivity is available, then use stored correction information for subsequent positioning operations. This eliminates the need for continuous external correction services while maintaining adequate positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If continuous correction services are subscribed to, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous correction services, the system downloads satellite navigation correction data periodically when cellular or wireless connectivity is available. The correction data is then stored and used for subsequent positioning operations, eliminating ongoing subscription costs while maintaining positioning accuracy throughout the drilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable locator device autonomously manages its own correction data needs by detecting connectivity availability, downloading appropriate correction information, and storing it for future use. This self-service approach eliminates the need for continuous external correction services and associated operational costs.
3Measurement precision
If RTK base station with RF connectivity is used, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cellular network or wireless connectivity as an intermediary to transmit correction data between the portable locator and external correction sources. This replaces the need for direct RF communication infrastructure and RTK base stations, reducing device complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy through alternative data transmission paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard satellite navigation receivers with periodic correction data downloads rather than expensive RTK base stations and continuous RF correction infrastructure. This approach achieves sufficient positioning accuracy for drilling operations without requiring complex and costly continuous correction systems.
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 high-precision drilling operations with accurate data logging and reduced operational costs by utilizing a self-sufficient RTK base station and cellular connectivity for satellite navigation corrections, ensuring precise alignment and efficient data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
A portable locator device includes a positioning system receiver configured to receive a satellite navigation signal
Implementation Method 2
The base station includes a radio transmitter/receiver configured to communicate with the portable locator device via an RF link
Implementation Method 3
The base station and the portable locator device communicate using a cellular network
Data Source
AI summary
A horizontal directional drilling system includes a horizontal directional drilling machine with a base station having a satellite navigation receiver configured to receive a satellite navigation signal transmitted on a carrier waveform. The base station is configured to determine a first observed phase of the carrier waveform. The horizontal directional drilling system also includes a walkover locator. The walkover locator includes a satellite navigation receiver and is configured to determine a second observed phase of the carrier waveform. The base station is configured to transmit the first observed phase of the carrier waveform to the walkover locator, and the walkover locator is configured to compare the second observed phase of the carrier waveform to the first observed phase to determine a relative position of the walkover locator with respect to the base station.