SOLID-STATE INERTIAL NAVIGATION CONTROL SYSTEM FOR A HORIZONTAL DRILLING MACHINE

摘要

A system and method for controlling an underground boring tool involves the use of one or more or a gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometer sensor provided in or proximate the boring tool. The location of the boring tool is detected substantially in real-time. A controller produces a control signal substantially in real-time in response to the detected boring tool location and sensed parameters of a boring tool driving apparatus. The control signal is applied to the driving apparatus to control one or both of a rate and a direction of boring tool movement along the underground path. The gyroscope, accelerometer, and magnetometers may be of a conventional design, but are preferably of a solid-state design. A hand-held remote unit may be used by an operator to control all or a sub-set of boring system functions.