UAV Magnetic Tracking for Precise Pipeline Geopig Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for locating pipelines, particularly older ones, suffer from inaccurate recordings and error propagation due to unstable subsoils and the Faraday cage effect, which hinders precise positioning using geopigs and inertial measuring systems.

Innovation Solution

A system employing an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with magnetic field sensors and a controller to determine the course of a magnetic field generated by a geopig, allowing for precise positioning and location determination of the pipeline by tracking the magnetic field strength and using satellite navigation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If inertial measuring systems are used to determine geopig position, then the system can operate independently without external contact, but measurement results drift due to error propagation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidposition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium between the geopig and the external localization system. The magnetic source on the geopig generates a detectable magnetic field that extends through the pipeline wall, allowing external magnetic sensors to track the geopig position without direct contact, thus eliminating inertial drift while maintaining operational independence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical inertial measuring system with a magnetic field-based localization approach. Instead of relying on mechanical accelerometers and gyroscopes that accumulate errors, the system uses magnetic field sensors to detect the geopig's position through non-contact measurement, substituting mechanical measurement with electromagnetic field measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If radio signals are transmitted for external measurement, then absolute position can be determined, but the metal pipeline structure distorts the signals due to the Faraday cage effect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabsolute position determinationVSAvoidsignal distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the measurement signal from radio frequency electromagnetic waves to low-frequency magnetic fields. This parameter change allows the signal to penetrate the metal pipeline wall effectively, as low-frequency magnetic fields are less affected by the Faraday cage effect compared to high-frequency radio signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the previously harmful magnetic field generated by the magnetic source into a useful measurement signal. The magnetic field that would otherwise be considered interference is now utilized as the primary carrier for position information, allowing the metal pipeline structure to be transparent to the measurement rather than obstructive

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If hand-held devices are used for surface localization, then the equipment is simple and portable, but the localization accuracy is insufficient for precise pipeline positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidlocalization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the measurement from surface-level detection to internal pipeline detection by introducing a magnetic source inside the geopig. This dimensional change allows the measurement system to access position information from within the pipeline rather than relying on external surface methods, significantly improving localization accuracy while maintaining system portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach provides high accuracy in locating geopigs and pipelines, eliminates drift errors in inertial measurements, and enables full automation of the process, even for long pipelines, while being cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

The geopig is equipped with a magnetic source MQ that generates a magnetic field MF

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11237289B2System for determining the location of pipelines

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A system for determining the location of pipelines using at least one geopig that is introduced into a pipeline, advances therein and that has a magnetic source for generating a magnetic field, wherein at least one unmanned aerial vehicle is provided with magnetic field sensors and position determination devices, a controller is provided for determining the field strength profile of the magnetic field and for positioning the unmanned aerial vehicle at a defined distance from the at least one geopig, and a device is provided for determining the location of the at least one geopig from the position of the unmanned aerial vehicle and the defined distance between the at least one geopig and the unmanned aerial vehicle.