Submersible Magnetic Pipe Positioning for Buried Seabed Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems, such as those using magnetic sensors or sonar, are unable to detect pipes buried in sediment on the seabed as pipes do not generate a concentric magnetic field and are obscured by sediment.

Innovation Solution

A submersible equipped with magnetic sensors and position sensors that detect magnetic flux density to estimate the position of a magnetic pipe on the seabed, using a processor to determine the pipe's position based on peak magnetic values detected by the sensors while moving and turning the submersible.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic sensors are used to detect submarine cables, then the position of cables can be estimated accurately, but pipes buried in sediment cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition estimation accuracyVSAvoiddetection capability for different objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field concentration (concentric pattern) to magnetic field gradient (spatial variation). By measuring how the magnetic field changes in different directions rather than just its strength, the system can detect both concentrated fields from cables and distributed fields from buried pipes, achieving versatile detection while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional magnetic sensor system with a magnetic gradient sensor system. This substitution enables detection of magnetic field variations in space rather than just field strength, allowing the system to distinguish between different magnetic source types (cables vs. buried pipes) and detect objects previously invisible to magnetic sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If sonar or optical sensors are used, then surface objects can be detected, but pipes buried in sediment cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsediment obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic field lines as an intermediary to detect buried pipes. Instead of directly observing the pipe through sediment-obstructed acoustic or optical waves, the system detects the magnetic field generated by the pipe, which can penetrate sediment. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that carries information from the buried object to the sensor without being blocked by the sediment layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes acoustic/optical detection systems with magnetic field-based detection. This replacement eliminates the harmful effect of sediment obstruction, as magnetic fields can penetrate non-conductive materials like sediment, allowing detection of buried objects that are invisible to sonar and optical sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If conventional magnetic field detection is used, then cables can be detected, but the detection system cannot identify buried pipes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection scope

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the detection approach by changing from measuring magnetic field strength to measuring magnetic field gradient. This parameter change allows the system to detect the spatial distribution pattern of magnetic fields, enabling reliable identification of both cable-type sources (concentric patterns) and pipe-type sources (distributed patterns), thereby expanding detection scope while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic measurement by moving the sensor through space and measuring magnetic field variations at multiple positions. This dynamic approach allows the system to map the spatial distribution of magnetic fields and identify the characteristics of different magnetic sources, enabling reliable detection of various objects including buried pipes that static measurements would miss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 the detection of pipes buried in sediment by accurately estimating their position and direction, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic sensor, which detects a surrounding magnetic flux density

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4679142A1Submersible and estimation method

Publication Date: 2026.01.14 KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KK

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AI summary

A submersible estimates a position of a magnetic pipe provided on a seabed. The submersible comprises a body, a magnetic sensor, a position sensor, a controller, and a processor. The magnetic sensor is arranged on the body and detects a surrounding magnetic flux density. The position sensor is arranged on the body and detects a position. The controller performs control to move the body and control to turn the body. The processor estimates the position of the pipe based on the position detected by the position sensor at a timing when the magnetic sensor detected a peak value.