Smart Paint Stick Marking for Buried Utility Line Location
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional paint stick devices for marking buried utility lines lack the ability to accurately and reliably communicate the location and type of the paint mark to a base element, requiring manual rediscovery and interpretation by users.
Innovation Solution
The smart paint stick device incorporates sensors, signal transmitters, and communication components to transmit data to a base element, including sondes, GPS, accelerometers, and optical sensors, allowing for real-time location and type detection of paint marks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional paint stick devices are used to mark buried utility lines, then the marking function is provided, but the location and type information cannot be accurately communicated to a base element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the paint stick device and the base element. Sensors on the paint stick detect mark location and type, then transmit this information wirelessly via radio frequency signals to the base element, eliminating the need for manual rediscovery and ensuring accurate information communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of rediscovering and interpreting paint marks with an automated electronic detection and communication system. Sensors and transmitters automatically detect and communicate mark information, substituting human physical search and interpretation with electronic automation.
2Loss of time
If manual rediscovery and interpretation of paint marks is required, then device complexity is reduced, but time loss and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the paint stick device automatically transmit its location and type information to the base element at the moment of marking. This preliminary communication eliminates the need for later rediscovery and interpretation, saving significant time in the utility locating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where sensors on the paint stick continuously monitor mark location and type, then transmit this information back to the base element in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate information communication and enables immediate verification of marking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are described. More specifically, but not exclusively, the disclosure relates to smart paint stick devices and methods for locating and marking buried utility lines or other buried objects. One system for locating a buried object may include a buried object locator and paint stick. The locator may include a tracking component for detecting a location of a buried object. The paint stick may be configured to cause a paint container to dispense paint at a first position associated with the location of the buried object. The paint stick may include a position determination component for transmitting one or more range vector signals that are detected by the tracking component. Sensors may be used to determine when paint is dispensed from a paint container, and to determine a color of the paint or a type of a marking.