Integrated Survey Pole Locator and GPS Receiver Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping underground utility lines require cumbersome two-step processes, often necessitate the use of two hands, and involve secondary calculations due to offset positioning of locator and satellite navigation receivers.
Innovation Solution
A single-handheld underground mapping device with a survey pole and integrated satellite navigation receiver and locator, where the locator is positioned directly in-line with the receiver, allowing simultaneous location and mapping without secondary calculations, and includes a display device for real-time data visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locator is attached to the side of the survey pole to free one hand, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to offset positioning requiring secondary calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locator and survey pole into a single integrated unit where the locator is mounted on the survey pole such that their longitudinal axes coincide. This combination eliminates the need for separate handheld operations while maintaining alignment between the locator and satellite navigation receiver, thereby preserving measurement precision without sacrificing ease of operation.
2Device complexity
If the satellite navigation receiver is mounted on the side of the locator, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to proximity to ground surface and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the satellite navigation receiver above the locator along the vertical longitudinal axis, rather than mounting it on the side. This vertical arrangement in a different dimension ensures the receiver remains sufficiently distant from the ground surface to maintain GPS accuracy while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If a two-step process is used to locate and map utility lines, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming sequential operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locator and satellite navigation receiver into a single integrated mapping device with coincident longitudinal axes. This allows both functions to operate simultaneously and concurrently capture location and mapping data in one step, eliminating the sequential two-step process while maintaining measurement precision through proper alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device enables continuous simultaneous operation of both the locator and satellite navigation receiver, allowing location and mapping to occur in real-time without interruption or sequential steps, thereby improving productivity while maintaining accuracy.
4Ease of manufacture
If the locator and satellite navigation receiver are positioned at different locations, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of information increases due to offset requiring secondary calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning of the locator and satellite navigation receiver by aligning their longitudinal axes to coincide. This ensures both devices reference the exact same location point, eliminating offset errors and the need for secondary calculations, while the integrated mounting structure remains relatively simple to manufacture.
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 efficient, single-step location and mapping of underground utility lines with improved accuracy and ease of use, eliminating the need for secondary calculations and allowing real-time visualization of pinpointed locations on a map.
Implementation Method 1
a satellite navigation receiver supported on the survey pole
Implementation Method 2
The locator has a second longitudinal axis and comprises at least one antenna configured to detect an electromagnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
A mapping device for use in locating and mapping underground utility lines. The mapping device includes a survey pole interposed between an electromagnetic locator and a satellite navigation receiver such that a longitudinal axis extends through the center of each of the components. During operation, because the locator and the satellite navigation receiver are aligned, the locator may locate an underground utility line and the satellite navigation receiver may pinpoint the location of the underground utility at the same time using a single step process. Data acquired by the locator and the satellite navigation receiver may be displayed on a map on a display device during operation.