UAV Buried Asset Detection Using Electromagnetic Locator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting buried assets are inefficient, costly, and labor-intensive, requiring skilled technicians and resulting in potential safety hazards due to the scarcity of manpower and increased financial burdens on utility companies.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and an electromagnetic locator device (ELD) is used to detect buried assets by navigating to predefined buffer zones and transmitting geographical coordinates of detected assets, reducing the need for manual labor and improving detection precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional locators with skilled technicians are used to detect buried assets, then detection accuracy can be maintained, but labor costs and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual operation with an automated UAV-based electromagnetic locating system. The drone autonomously navigates and scans for buried assets using electromagnetic sensors, eliminating the need for manual operation by skilled technicians while maintaining detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system performs self-navigation and self-detection operations. The drone autonomously flies over the area, automatically scans for buried assets using its electromagnetic locator, and independently records and transmits data, requiring minimal human intervention beyond initial deployment.
2Productivity
If more skilled technicians are hired to meet increasing detection requests, then service capacity improves, but manpower costs and financial resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes human technicians with an automated UAV system that can operate independently. This replacement dramatically reduces the need for skilled manpower while increasing service capacity, as the drone can perform detections without requiring experienced operators for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system serves multiple utility companies and can handle various detection requests with a single platform. Rather than requiring separate technicians for each company or project, the drone provides universal service across multiple clients, optimizing resource utilization.
3Reliability
If experienced technicians perform manual detection, then detection quality can be ensured, but time consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual detection processes with automated UAV-based electromagnetic locating. The system maintains reliable detection quality through consistent automated scanning and data collection, while significantly reducing the time required compared to manual techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system performs continuous scanning and detection without interruption. Unlike manual methods that require setup, calibration, and movement between detection points, the drone maintains continuous operation, maximizing the useful detection action throughout the entire flight path.
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
The UAV system enhances the efficiency and accuracy of buried asset detection, decreases manpower costs, and minimizes errors associated with human operators, while enabling safer and more precise location of underground utilities.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic locator device (ELD) positioned on the chassis, the ELD configured for executing electromagnetic locating functions for detecting buried assets
Implementation Method 2
a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver and processor positioned on the chassis, the GNSS receiver and processor configured for determining an above-surface location of the UAV
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for detecting buried assets includes a chassis, a global navigation receiver and processor, an electromagnetic locator device (ELD), and a processor for receiving a first data structure that represents a two dimensional area comprising a buffer zone at an above-surface location, wherein the buffer zone corresponds to a particular buried asset sought by the UAV, navigating towards the buffer zone and executing a detection process for storing a plurality of buried asset data points, and transmitting the buried asset data points.