Self-Calibrating Earthmover Bucket Coil for Buried Service Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable detection devices for locating underground services are prone to inaccuracies due to environmental influences and mechanical tolerances, leading to low accuracy in depth determination, especially when exposed to harsh field conditions and aging of electronics.
Innovation Solution
A mobile detection device equipped with self-calibration capabilities, using a method that configures one coil as a transmitter for a magnetic calibration field, allowing the device to determine calibration parameters without external equipment, and compensates for variations in coil positions and signal reception characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the detection device is made lightweight and small-sized for portability, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to difficulties in maintaining precise coil positions in compact structures
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device performs self-calibration by using one coil as a transmitter to generate a magnetic field that is detected by the other coil. This self-referential measurement allows the device to determine calibration parameters (scaling factor and offset) that compensate for manufacturing tolerances and position variations, enabling accurate depth determination despite compact construction
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters by applying calibration parameters (scaling factor and offset) to the measured magnetic field values. This transforms the raw measurements into accurate depth values, compensating for the imprecise coil positions inherent in lightweight, compact device construction
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device operates in harsh environmental conditions, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature variations and mechanical shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs calibration measurements before actual detection operations. By establishing calibration parameters (scaling factor and offset) in advance through self-calibration, the system prepares compensation factors that will correct for environmental variations during subsequent measurements, maintaining precision despite harsh conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The self-calibration process creates a feedback mechanism where the device measures its own coil characteristics and uses this information to adjust subsequent measurements. The calibration parameters derived from self-measurement continuously compensate for environmental effects, ensuring measurement precision is maintained across varying temperatures and mechanical conditions
3Ease of operation
If self-calibration is implemented without external equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional calibration functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The detection coils serve dual functions: they act as both receivers for detecting magnetic fields from buried services and as transmitters for generating calibration magnetic fields. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the self-calibration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device calibrates itself using its own components without requiring external calibration equipment. By using its detection coils to generate and measure calibration magnetic fields, the system performs autonomous calibration, simplifying operation while the added complexity is confined to the control logic for coordinating the calibration sequence
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 device achieves improved accuracy and reliability in depth determination, maintaining performance across varying environmental conditions and mechanical changes, enabling precise location of buried services without the need for external calibration.
Implementation Method 1
configures one of the coils (2a, 2b) within the device (1) successively as a transmitter for a magnetic calibration field by applying an electrical excitation signal to the one coil (2a, 2b)
Implementation Method 2
the other coil (2b, 2a) detecting the thereby transmitted calibration field, wherein the calibration parameters are determined by the detection device (1), based on the detected calibration field
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of the invention relate to a mobile detection device embodied as a bucket of an earth moving machine for an evaluation of a distance value and/or proximity from the bucket to an occluded AC-current carrying structure according to the magnetic field emanated from the structures AC-current. There is at least one detection coil, comprising at least one winding of an electrically conductive material, which is connected to a first amplification stage, with an amplifier circuit embodied as a current sensing amplifier, which are both are sealed within a common enclosure that is located at the bucket. An output of the amplifier circuit is configured to be linked to an electronic signal evaluation unit for detecting the occluded structure according to an electrical signal induced in the detection coil by the magnetic field.