Trackable Dipole Paint Sticks for Accurate Utility Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paint marking systems for locating buried utilities suffer from inefficiencies and inaccuracies due to reliance on human interpretation and placement of marks, leading to potential errors and inconsistencies in marking and re-finding processes.
Innovation Solution
A trackable dipole device is integrated with or attached to a paint stick, generating electromagnetic signals that are detected by a utility locator, allowing for precise determination of mark position and orientation, and includes sensors and components for data logging, image and audio recording, and virtual mark creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional paint marking systems are used, then the process is simple and equipment is basic, but accuracy and reliability of mark placement and interpretation are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mark placement with an electromagnetic field-based tracking system. A dipole transmitter attached to the paint stick generates electromagnetic signals that are detected by a locator device, automatically determining mark position and orientation without relying on human interpretation of physical marks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the paint stick and the marking system. The dipole transmitter converts physical mark placement into detectable electromagnetic signals, serving as a mediator that enables precise tracking and recording of mark positions.
2Reliability
If manual mark placement and interpretation is used, then equipment is simple, but human error and inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the dipole transmitter continuously provides positional information to the locator device. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that mark placement can be verified and corrected, eliminating human error and inconsistencies in mark interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The paint stick system performs its own tracking and recording functions through the integrated dipole transmitter. The system is self-sufficient in determining mark positions without requiring external verification or human interpretation, thereby improving reliability.
3Loss of information
If electromagnetic tracking devices are added to paint sticks, then accuracy and data collection improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dipole transmitter serves multiple functions: it tracks mark position, records orientation data, and provides information about mark placement timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each measurement task, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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
Enhances accuracy and efficiency by providing precise location and orientation data for marks, enabling virtual mark creation and verification, and improving the reliability of utility locating operations.
Implementation Method 1
The body element may include an electromagnetic dipole signal transmitter for generating magnetic field signals for detection by a corresponding utility locator
Data Source
AI summary
Location systems and methods for locating paint and other markings on a surface are disclosed. A paint marking stick may include a magnetic field sonde that is actuated in conjunction with dispensing of paint or other markers, where the sonde generates a magnetic field signal in conjunction with dispensing of paint or placement of a marker. A corresponding utility locator may receive the sonde magnetic field dipole signal and determine and store positional information and type information associated with the paint or other marker.