Self-Locating Compass Using Lorentz Force for GPS-Free Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing navigation systems, particularly GPS and inertial navigation systems, are vulnerable to disruption, jamming, and spoofing, and suffer from integration errors that degrade location precision, especially in environments where GPS signals are weak or absent, such as tunnels, caves, and underwater.
Innovation Solution
A self-locating compass (SLC) that uses the Earth's magnetic field lines as a frame of reference, employing a Lorentz force sensor and processor to determine orientation and measure velocity, integrating magnetic drag force to calculate position and velocity without GPS, and incorporating a Faraday cage to mitigate interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPS is used for navigation, then location data can be obtained, but the system becomes vulnerable to disruption, jamming, and spoofing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the Earth's magnetic field as an intermediary reference frame between the navigation system and the environment. By measuring the Lorentz force induced by the magnetic field on moving charges in the sensor, the system obtains location data independent of GPS signals, thereby eliminating vulnerability to jamming and spoofing while maintaining navigation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic signal-based GPS system with a magnetomechanical system that measures the Lorentz force physically induced by the Earth's magnetic field on charged particles in the sensor. This substitution eliminates dependency on external signal transmission and provides intrinsic navigation capability immune to signal interference
2Reliability
If inertial navigation systems are used, then location data can be obtained without GPS, but integration errors degrade location precision over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the inertial measurement system with a magnetomechanical system that directly measures the Lorentz force induced by the Earth's magnetic field. This measurement is based on fundamental physical laws rather than integration of sensor data, eliminating cumulative integration errors while maintaining autonomous navigation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the Earth's magnetic field itself as the reference frame and measurement medium, eliminating the need for external signals or complex calibration procedures. The magnetic field provides a stable, universal reference that enables precise location determination without the error accumulation inherent in inertial navigation
3Measurement precision
If GPS signals are used, then location data can be obtained, but the system fails in environments where GPS signals are weak or absent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal navigation system that operates independently of specific environmental conditions by using the Earth's magnetic field as the reference frame. The magnetomechanical measurement system functions equally well in urban canyons, tunnels, caves, and underwater environments where GPS signals fail, providing consistent location data accuracy across diverse environments
4Reliability
If magnetic navigation systems are used, then location data can be obtained without GPS, but prior data on magnetic field intensity is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the Earth's magnetic field as a natural reference frame that requires no external data input or calibration. The magnetic field provides intrinsic reference information that enables the sensor to determine location without requiring prior knowledge of magnetic field intensity or characteristics, simplifying the system while enabling GPS-independent navigation
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 provides accurate and precise location and velocity data, immune to jamming and spoofing, and operates at any velocity and in various magnetic fields, including underwater and underground, without requiring prior data on magnetic field intensity, thus overcoming the limitations of GPS and INS.
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
incorporating a Faraday cage to mitigate interference
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.