Self-Locating Compass Using Lorentz Force for GPS-Free Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems, particularly those relying on GPS, are vulnerable to disruptions in areas like canyons, caves, underwater environments, and adverse weather, and are susceptible to jamming and spoofing, while inertial navigation systems suffer from integration errors and inability to detect cross winds and currents, leading to inaccurate location determination.
Innovation Solution
A self-locating compass (SLC) that uses the Earth's magnetic field lines as a frame of reference to measure velocity and determine geographic location without GPS, employing a Lorentz force sensor with a dual loop design and a processor to integrate magnetic drag force data, providing accurate and precise location data immune to jamming and spoofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for navigation, then location determination is provided, but it is vulnerable to disruptions in canyons, caves, underwater environments, and adverse weather, and susceptible to jamming and spoofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (magnetic field sensing apparatus) that mediates between the vehicle and the environment for navigation purposes. Instead of directly relying on GPS signals that can be blocked or spoofed, the system uses the Earth's magnetic field as an intermediary reference frame that penetrates all environments, providing reliable navigation data independent of GPS availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/GPS-based navigation system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. By substituting the GPS receiver with magnetic field sensors (fluxgate magnetometers, optically pumped magnetometers), the system eliminates vulnerability to GPS disruptions while maintaining navigation capability across all environments including underwater and underground.
2Measurement precision
If inertial navigation system is used, then velocity measurement is provided, but it suffers from integration errors and inability to detect cross winds and currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously measuring magnetic field vectors and comparing them against a stored magnetic map database. The system processes magnetic drag force data and provides corrective feedback to maintain accurate location determination, preventing the accumulation of errors that plagues inertial navigation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field sensing apparatus serves multiple functions: it measures velocity through magnetic drag force detection, determines geographic location through magnetic field vector comparison, and detects environmental features. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate inertial navigation systems while eliminating their limitations.
3Reliability
If magnetic field sensing apparatus is used, then accurate location determination is provided without GPS, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the navigation system into distinct functional modules: magnetic field sensors (fluxgate magnetometers, optically pumped magnetometers), processors for integrating magnetic drag force data, and databases for magnetic field mapping. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced functionality.
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 SLC offers accurate and precise location determination across various environments, including underwater and underground, without prior data on magnetic field intensity, and is resistant to GPS disruptions, providing reliable navigation by integrating magnetic drag force data to correct for wind and current effects.
Implementation Method 1
a Lorentz force sensor including at least one sensing unit operable to detect a potential induced by coupling of the Earth's magnetic field with charges in the Lorentz force sensor
Implementation Method 2
the second loop is operable to determine a potential based on deflection of the bias current by a Lorentz drag force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for a self-locating compass for use in navigation are disclosed. The self-locating compass is operable to provide position and/or velocity without information from a global positioning system (GPS) device. The self-locating compass includes a direction finder and a Lorentz force detector. The method includes determining orientation with respect to Earth's magnetic field, measuring a Lorentz force proportional to rate of change of location with respect to the field, determining a change in location, and updating location.