Through-the-earth communication antenna with magnetic core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional through-the-earth (TTE) communication systems experience significant attenuation of wireless signals when trying to communicate at depths greater than 300 feet, limiting their effective range, which is insufficient for many mine shafts that extend much deeper.
Innovation Solution
A TTE communication system using an electromagnetic antenna with a coil wrapped around a magnetic core to propagate pulsed DC magnetic fields through the earth, allowing for effective communication over greater distances by converting voice signals into pulsed DC signals and back into voice signals at the receiver, with a frequency range of 1 kHz to 5 kHz to maximize penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional wireless TTE communication systems are used, then communication is possible, but the effective range is limited to about 300 feet due to significant signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the communication signal by using pulsed direct current (DC) magnetic fields instead of conventional alternating current electromagnetic waves. This parameter change allows the signal to penetrate the earth much more effectively, extending the communication range from 300 feet to over 1 kilometer while reducing signal attenuation through the earth's materials.
2Reliability
If cable-based communication systems are used, then reliable communication can be achieved, but the cable becomes entangled and hampers mining operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based communication system with a wireless electromagnetic system using magnetic fields. This substitution eliminates the physical cable that causes entanglement and operational difficulties, while maintaining reliable communication through the use of pulsed DC magnetic fields that can penetrate the earth effectively.
3Length of stationary object
If cable-based communication systems are used, then communication can be established, but line amplifiers and repeaters are needed for large distances, increasing maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex cable-based system requiring line amplifiers and repeaters with a wireless magnetic field-based system. The pulsed DC magnetic fields generated by the antenna system can transmit signals over long distances (over 1 kilometer) without requiring intermediate amplification or repetition equipment, thereby reducing system complexity and maintenance requirements.
4Ease of operation
If conventional wireless TTE communication systems are used, then wireless communication is achieved, but signal attenuation limits the range to depths greater than 300 feet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal parameters from conventional alternating current electromagnetic waves to pulsed direct current magnetic fields. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the signal interacts with the earth's materials, reducing attenuation and enabling wireless communication at depths greater than 300 feet, with demonstrated effectiveness over distances of over 1 kilometer.
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 reliable two-way communication over distances of at least 1 kilometer through the earth, significantly exceeding the range of conventional systems, with minimal interference from ferromagnetic elements or water presence, and is suitable for various environments and substances.
Implementation Method 1
The antenna transforms the pulsed DC signal into a pulsed DC magnetic field that propagates through the earth
Implementation Method 2
The DC magnetic field may pass through soil, water, or other substances within the earth
Implementation Method 3
A receiver at the earth's surface or other location senses the pulsed magnetic field and converts the sensed magnetic energy into a voice signal
Data Source
AI summary
A through-the-earth (TTE) communication system has a transmitter that uses an electromagnetic antenna to propagate a magnetic communication signal through the earth. The antenna comprises a coil that is wrapped a core of magnetic material. The transmitter converts voice into a pulsed direct current (DC) signal that is applied to the coil of the antenna. The antenna transforms the pulsed DC signal into a pulsed DC magnetic field that propagates through the earth, and the DC magnetic field may pass through soil, water, or other substances within the earth. A receiver at the earth's surface or other location senses the pulsed magnetic field and converts the sensed magnetic energy into a voice signal.