Handheld Utility Locator With Null Antenna For Offset Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating buried utilities require the operator to position the locator directly above the utility line, which can be impractical when obstructions prevent this, increasing the risk of damage and accidents during construction or landscape projects.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held locator system with a vertically extending frame, featuring horizontally oriented top and bottom peak antennas and a vertically oriented null antenna, along with an inclinometer and processor, allows for determining the direct and horizontal distances to the utility line by measuring electromagnetic signal strengths and tilt angles, enabling location from a lateral displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the locator is positioned directly above the utility line, then the location accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates when obstructions are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from requiring vertical positioning (one dimension) to enabling lateral positioning with computational correction (adding horizontal dimension). The system uses signal strength ratios from top and bottom antennas combined with tilt angle measurements to calculate both horizontal and vertical distances, allowing operators to locate utilities from offset positions while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the locator is positioned laterally displaced from the utility line, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of vertical positioning with a computational system. The processor uses electromagnetic signal strength ratios from multiple antennas and tilt angle data to mathematically determine the utility line's position, substituting physical alignment requirements with algorithmic calculation.
3Measurement precision
If direct positioning over the utility line is required, then the measurement precision is improved, but the risk of damage and accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning from a safe offset location before any construction activity. By calculating the exact horizontal and vertical distances to the utility line from a laterally displaced position, the system enables operators to identify utility locations and plan construction paths that avoid them, preventing damage before it occurs.
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 accurate location of buried utility lines without direct positioning, reducing the risk of damage and accidents by determining distances and displaying them on an LCD screen, even when the locator is offset from the utility line.
Implementation Method 1
Signal strength of an electromagnetic field transmitted from the utility line is measured at both a top peak antenna and a bottom peak antenna
Implementation Method 2
pointing a bottom of the locator toward the utility line by tilting the locator until a minimum signal is measured at a vertically oriented null antenna
Implementation Method 3
A tilt angle of the locator is measured
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A locator for determining the location of a buried utility line from an offset position. The locator has a top peak antenna, a bottom peak antenna, and a null antenna. The locator is tilted until the null antenna is pointed directly at the utility line with the top and bottom peak antennas disposed in a locating plane that is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the line. The tilt angle of the locator and the direct distance between the locator and the utility is measured. The tilt angle and direct distance are used by the processor to determine the vertical and horizontal distances between the locator and the utility.