Optical-electrical composite cable pay-off and take-up tension feedback device's guide ring assembly, device and method thereof

Abstract

This application belongs to the field of optoelectronic composite cable manufacturing, specifically disclosing a guide ring assembly, device, and method for an optoelectronic composite cable tension feedback device. The guide ring assembly is generally annular, including an outermost load-bearing ring, a middle conductive ring, and an inner liner ring tightly pressed onto the conductive ring. The inner liner ring is made of polyethylene. During operation, the guide ring assembly is fitted onto the optoelectronic composite cable under test and contacts it with the inner liner ring to be supported by the tension of the cable and move according to the tension. This application also provides an optoelectronic composite cable tension feedback device using the guide ring assembly described above, including a tension displacement conversion unit, a laser ranging unit, and a feedback control unit. A method for using the above device to provide tension feedback for optoelectronic composite cable tension feedback is also provided. The device and method of this invention aim to solve the problems of insufficient accuracy and sensitivity, poor long-term stability, and slow dynamic response in existing tension feedback devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of optoelectronic composite cable manufacturing, and more specifically, relates to a guide ring assembly, device and method of optoelectronic composite cable take-up and release tension feedback device. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing and processing of continuous materials such as cables, optical fibers, and yarns, accurate and stable detection and feedback of the tension applied to the material are crucial for ensuring product quality and improving production efficiency. Tension feedback devices are an indispensable key component of closed-loop tension control systems.

[0003] Currently, the tension detection feedback devices commonly used in the industry are mainly based on the following principles: (1) Contact-type electrical signal conversion method. The core component of this method is a contact potentiometer, including a contact rotary potentiometer and a contact linear lever potentiometer. The former drives the ball or swing arm to swing through the tension change, and directly drives the rotation shaft of the potentiometer through the mechanical linkage, converting the angle change into a resistance value change. The latter converts the swing arm swing into linear motion to drive the lever of the potentiometer. (2) Non-contact position sensing method. This method can avoid mechanical contact wear. Its key components include a non-contact ultrasonic ranging sensor and a magnetic encoder. The former measures the distance change between the reflector and the sensor that swings with the tension, and indirectly obtains tension information. The latter is installed on the swing arm shaft to measure the rotation angle non-contactly.

[0004] The aforementioned existing technical solutions suffer from a series of inherent defects under long-term continuous operation, high-precision requirements, and harsh industrial environments, affecting production stability and product quality, and also resulting in high maintenance costs. Specifically, the contact potentiometer method suffers from drawbacks such as rapid failure due to mechanical wear and signal degradation. The continuous physical friction between the brush and the resistive film is an inevitable physical process, leading to increased signal noise, jumps, and unstable feedback values. Furthermore, its linearity decreases, control accuracy drifts, and ultimately, excessive wear can cause poor contact or open circuits, resulting in complete device failure and failing to meet the micro-tension fluctuation detection requirements of high-precision manufacturing. Non-contact ultrasonic ranging methods also suffer from low measurement accuracy, poor stability, large measurement value fluctuations, and poor long-term stability, failing to meet the requirements of high-sensitivity tension control. In addition, limited by the speed of sound wave propagation and signal processing time, its dynamic response is slow, and installation is relatively complex. Traditional mechanical structures such as the "dance wheel" suffer from the following problems: large system inertia, significant frictional nonlinearity, large mass of the entire swing mechanism, and static and dynamic friction in the shaft bearings, resulting in a sluggish response to rapid and minute tension changes and introducing nonlinear interference, which reduces the fidelity of the feedback signal. Furthermore, their structure is loose, occupies a large space, and the reference tension setting is neither intuitive nor precise, and the adjustment process is not intuitive.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a novel, highly integrated tension detection and feedback device and method to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a guide ring assembly, device and method for a tension feedback device for the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable, which aims to solve the problems of insufficient accuracy and sensitivity, poor long-term stability and slow dynamic response of the tension feedback device in the prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, in a first aspect, this application provides a guide ring assembly for a tension feedback device for the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable. The guide ring assembly is generally annular and includes an outermost load-bearing ring, a middle conductive ring, and an inner liner ring tightly pressed into the conductive ring. The inner liner ring is made of polyethylene. The guide ring assembly is used to be fitted onto the optoelectronic composite cable under test during operation and to contact the inner liner ring therewith, so as to be supported by the tension of the optoelectronic composite cable under test and to move with the tension.

[0008] Furthermore, the inner liner ring is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with a viscosity-average molecular weight of [missing information]. Mη The molecular weight is 3.5 × 10⁻⁶. 6 g / mol ~ 6.0×10 6 g / mol, its density is 0.93 g / cm³. 3 ~ 0.94 g / cm 3 Its coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.05 ~ 0.10.

[0009] Furthermore, the load-bearing ring is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy, with a yield strength of not less than 500 MPa, and the conductive ring has a conductivity of not less than 10. 4 S / m, which is a conductive polymer or conductive ceramic, and its elastic modulus is not less than 50 GPa.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a tension feedback device for the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable using the guide ring assembly described above is also provided. This device includes a tension displacement conversion unit, a laser ranging unit, and a feedback control unit. The tension displacement conversion unit includes a support frame, a guide rail, a slider, a base block, and the guide ring assembly. The guide rail is fixed to the rod of the support frame, the slider is slidably connected to the guide rail, and the base block is rigidly fixed to the slider. The guide ring assembly is rigidly fixed to the base block as a single unit. When the guide ring assembly is fitted onto the optoelectronic composite cable to be tested, it can move according to the tension magnitude, thereby converting the take-up and release tension of the optoelectronic composite cable into the displacement of the base block. The laser ranging unit is used to measure the displacement of the base block, and the feedback control unit is used to acquire the displacement of the base block and output a corresponding control signal based on the displacement to control the cable tension.

[0011] Furthermore, the elastic modulus of the base material is not less than 70 GPa, and the density is not higher than 2.7 g / cm³. 3 It is either anodized aluminum or an aluminum-lithium alloy.

[0012] Furthermore, it also includes a counterweight assembly connected below the guide ring assembly. The counterweight assembly includes a connector, a vertical rod, a counterweight block, and fasteners. The vertical rod is connected to the bottom of the load-bearing ring via the connector. The counterweight block has a slot for being inserted into the vertical rod and falling onto a tray at the bottom of the vertical rod, and is fixed to the rod by the fasteners. The weight of the counterweight block is 0.1 Ng, where N is a positive integer.

[0013] Furthermore, the laser ranging unit includes a bracket, a laser ranging sensor, and a ranging target. The bracket is positioned above the guide rail and is used to mount the laser ranging sensor. The ranging target is positioned on the top surface of the base block and faces the laser ranging sensor. The reflectivity of the ranging target is not less than 99.8% to avoid laser signal attenuation or increased noise due to changes in surface reflectivity, ensuring that the repeatability error of displacement measurement does not exceed ±0.01 mm.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes a zero-position marker, which is set at the center of the guide rail travel to mark the balance state of the tension of the optical-electric composite cable under test.

[0015] Furthermore, the feedback control unit includes a PID controller, which is connected to the laser rangefinder via a signal line. The PID controller is used to convert the displacement measured by the laser rangefinder into a current signal or a Modbus signal through digital-to-analog conversion.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for providing tension feedback during the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable using the device described above is also provided, comprising the following steps: S1: Set the reference tension to F0, calculate the required weight of the counterweight based on the system's own weight, load the counterweight, and preset the slider to the zero position mark. The feedback control unit automatically records the displacement L0 of the measuring block at this time. S2: During the deployment and retraction of the optical-electric composite cable, the laser rangefinder sensor measures the range target on the top surface of the base block in real time to obtain the real-time displacement L of the base block. The difference between the real-time displacement L of the base block and the displacement L0 described in step S1 is the displacement deviation ΔL. S3: The laser rangefinder 13 transmits the displacement deviation ΔL to the PID controller via a signal line. The PID controller continuously outputs a standardized signal proportional to the displacement deviation, and uses the standardized signal to feedback the cable tension.

[0017] Among them, in step S2, when the tension F of the optical and electrical composite cable < F0, the weight gravity drives the guiding ring assembly to move the base block downward along the guide rail, the real-time displacement L of the base block increases, generating a positive displacement deviation +ΔL. Or, when the tension F of the optical and electrical composite cable > F0, the weight gravity drives the guiding ring assembly to move the base block upward along the guide rail, the real-time displacement L of the base block decreases, generating a negative displacement deviation -ΔL.

[0018] Generally speaking, compared with the prior art by the above technical solution conceived by the present application, the following beneficial effects are achieved: (1) In the present invention, the structural design of the split guiding ring assembly (bearing ring + conductive ring + inner lining ring) enables each layer of material to perform its own functions (bearing force, conducting electricity, ultra-low friction), achieving functional optimization. Combined with the selection of the ultra-high molecular weight inner lining ring, the high-friction contact (traditional rigid contact) between the cable and the device is cleverly transformed into low-friction self-lubricating contact, thereby reducing the energy loss and non-linear interference in the conversion process from "tension" to "displacement" at the physical level.

[0019] (2) In the present invention, the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material has an extremely low dynamic friction coefficient (0.05 - 0.10), excellent self-lubrication, and excellent wear resistance. It almost eliminates the frictional resistance when the cable passes through, ensuring a very high tension transmission efficiency. At the same time, it avoids the scratches, abrasions or indentations that traditional metal or ceramic guide wheels may cause to the surface coating, optical fiber or conductor of the cable, and is particularly suitable for the production of high-end submarine optical cables, fiber optic ribbons, precision enameled wires and other products with extremely high requirements for surface integrity.

[0020] (3) In the present invention, the tension detection and feedback device includes a tension-displacement conversion unit, a laser ranging unit and a feedback control unit. The tension-displacement conversion unit is used to generate displacement when the tension changes. The laser ranging unit is used for the displacement generated by the tension-displacement conversion unit. The feedback control unit is used to receive the displacement signal of the laser ranging unit and perform tension feedback. In terms of the structure of the tension-displacement conversion unit, the overall mass M of the slider, the base block and the guiding ring assembly is less than 0.5 kg. Combined with the extremely low sliding friction of the ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and the linear mechanical system with an extremely low friction coefficient of the linear guide rail (friction coefficient about 0.002), the tension of the cable is converted into the displacement of the guiding ring assembly without loss, and the displacement size is synchronously reflected by the base block, and then obtained by laser ranging measurement. It converts the "tension size" of the cable into the geometric quantity of the "linear displacement" of the base block.

[0021] (4) In this invention, the resolution of the laser ranging sensor can reach 0.001 mm. Combined with the rigidity of the entire feedback device, the tension resolution can reach 0.01 N. This enables the device to detect minute tension fluctuations such as ±0.5 N, far exceeding the capability of current contact potentiometers (the resolution is usually around ±1 N). The device of this invention has high sensitivity and can respond to tension changes in a very short time. When the tension changes slightly, the displacement can react almost without hysteresis, achieving a high-frequency response.

[0022] (5) The device of the present invention combines the "mechanical structure that accurately converts tension into low-friction linear displacement" with the "low-friction and self-lubricating material characteristics of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene inner ring" to achieve high-precision, high-stability and low-interference tension feedback. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the guide ring assembly provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the optoelectronic composite cable take-up and release tension feedback device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the main structure of the optoelectronic composite cable take-up and release tension feedback device provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the main structure; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the laser ranging unit structure; Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the feedback control unit structure.

[0024] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same elements or structures, wherein: 1. Support frame 2. Guide rail 3. Slider 4. Rangefinding target; 5. Base block; 6. Guide ring assembly 7. Optical fiber composite cable to be tested; 8. Vertical suspension rod; 9. Counterweight. 10. Fasteners 11. Trays 12. Brackets 13. Laser rangefinder sensor; 14. Zero-position marker; 15. Control box 6a. Load-bearing ring; 6b. Conductive ring; 6c. Inner liner ring 6d, Connector Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention are implemented under the premise of the technical solution of the present invention, and detailed implementation methods and processes are given. However, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments. The process parameters in the following embodiments that do not specify specific conditions are generally in accordance with conventional conditions.

[0026] The endpoints and any values ​​of the ranges disclosed in this invention are not limited to the precise ranges or values, and these ranges or values ​​should be understood to include values ​​close to these ranges or values. For numerical ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges, the endpoint values ​​of the various ranges and individual point values, and individual point values ​​can be combined with each other to obtain one or more new numerical ranges, which should be considered as specifically disclosed in this invention.

[0027] The process parameters in the following examples, unless otherwise specified, are generally performed under conventional conditions.

[0028] This invention provides a novel, highly integrated tension detection and feedback device. It converts the mechanical quantity of "tension" into the geometric quantity of "linear displacement" without loss through an ultra-low friction linear mechanical system. Then, it directly digitizes this displacement using high-precision, highly interference-resistant, and non-contact laser ranging technology, thereby achieving high-fidelity feedback of the tension state. This invention is an integrated optoelectronic composite cable tension feedback device based on laser ranging and low-friction guidance.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the guide ring assembly provided in an embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the guide ring assembly 6 is generally circular and includes three layers: an outermost load-bearing ring 6a, a middle conductive ring 6b, and an inner liner ring 6c tightly pressed onto the conductive ring 6b. The inner liner ring 6c is made of polyethylene. The guide ring assembly 6 is a key component of the tension-displacement conversion unit in the tension detection feedback device. During operation, the guide ring assembly 6 is fitted onto the optical fiber composite cable under test and contacts it with the inner liner ring 6c to be supported by the tension of the optical fiber composite cable under test and to move according to the tension magnitude. This is the key structure for converting tension into displacement. In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide ring assembly 6 has an inner diameter of 120 mm, an outer diameter of 160 mm, an inner liner ring thickness of 6 mm, a conductive ring thickness of 15 mm, and a load-bearing ring thickness of 5 mm.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inner liner ring 6c is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with a viscosity-average molecular weight of... Mη The molecular weight is 3.5 × 10⁻⁶.6 g / mol ~ 6.0×10 6 g / mol, its density is 0.93 g / cm³. 3 ~ 0.94 g / cm 3 Its dynamic friction coefficient is 0.05 ~ 0.10. The load-bearing ring 6a is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy or aluminum alloy, with a yield strength of not less than 500 MPa, and the conductive ring 6b has a conductivity of not less than 10. 4 S / m, which is a conductive polymer or conductive ceramic, and its elastic modulus is not less than 50 GPa.

[0031] Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) possesses self-lubricating properties. When in relative motion with other surfaces, it exhibits extremely low friction and excellent wear resistance without the need for external lubricating oil or agent. This is similar to ice sliding on ice, with very little resistance; this characteristic results in a dynamic friction coefficient as low as 0.05–0.10. When it operates in a sliding or rotating manner, its lubrication effect is even better than that of steel or brass with added lubricating oil.

[0032] Specific numerical calculations show that, assuming the cable tension is F (e.g., 500N), the frictional resistance f = μ * F. When μ = 0.05, f is only 25N. If a traditional metal guide wheel is used (μ ≈ 0.2), the frictional resistance is 100N. This 75% reduction in frictional resistance means that the tension transmission efficiency increases from approximately 80% to approximately 95%, effectively eliminating the "friction swallowing" effect of traditional guide wheels on the tension signal, making the actual tension value reflected in the displacement closer to the true value.

[0033] Furthermore, the wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is 4-7 times that of steel. According to the Archard wear formula V = k * F * S / H (where V is the wear volume, k is the wear coefficient, F is the load, S is the sliding distance, and H is the material hardness), the k / H value of UHMWPE is approximately 10. -6 The mm³ / Nm ratio is significantly lower than that of traditional metal / metal contacts (approximately 10 mm³ / Nm). -3 The wear rate is 0.1 mm³ / Nm, which means that after long-term operation (such as 1 million cycles), the wear of the inner liner ring can be controlled within 0.1 mm, ensuring that the long-term displacement repeatability accuracy does not deteriorate.

[0034] Furthermore, the inner ring is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with a viscosity-average molecular weight of... Mη The molecular weight is 3.5 × 10⁻⁶. 6 g / mol ~ 6.0×10 6 g / mol, its density is 0.93 g / cm³. 3 ~ 0.94 g / cm 3 If the molecular weight is too large (6.0 × 10⁻⁶),6 If the molecular weight is too low (g / mol), the resin melt viscosity increases sharply, resulting in extremely poor melt flow. During processing, the particles cannot fully fuse, easily forming micropores and fusion defects within the product. This leads to a lower actual density, decreased mechanical properties, and the expansion of these micro-defects during friction, causing the wear rate to increase rather than decrease, thus weakening the self-lubricating advantage. If the molecular weight is too small, significantly lower than 3.5 × 10⁻⁶ g / mol, the resin melt viscosity increases sharply, resulting in extremely poor melt flow. This makes it difficult for particles to fully fuse during processing, easily forming micropores and fusion defects within the product. This results in lower actual density, decreased mechanical properties, and the expansion of micro-defects during friction, causing the wear rate to increase instead of decrease, thus weakening the self-lubricating advantage. 6 When the molecular chain entanglement density is insufficient (g / mol), the material's toughness, impact strength, and wear resistance are significantly reduced. The inner liner ring is prone to plastic deformation and rapid wear under cyclic loading, making it impossible to guarantee long-term displacement repeatability accuracy. If the density is too high, significantly exceeding 0.94 g / cm³, the material will be susceptible to damage. 3 This usually indicates excessive crystallinity or an overly dense internal structure, leading to increased material hardness but also increased brittleness, decreased impact and crack resistance, and potential for microcracks and delamination wear during friction, which in turn causes fluctuations in the coefficient of friction and deterioration in wear resistance. If the density is too low, significantly lower than g / cm³, it indicates a problem. 3 This indicates the presence of numerous porous areas or excessively low crystallinity within the product, resulting in insufficient material hardness and load-bearing capacity. Under load, it is prone to creep, crushing, and rapid wear. Furthermore, excessively low density is often accompanied by an increased coefficient of friction, negating the advantages of ultra-low friction. The viscosity-average molecular weight was strictly controlled at 3.5 × 10⁻⁶. 6 ~6.0×10 6 g / mol, density controlled between 0.93 and 0.94 g / cm³ 3 This narrow window is designed to simultaneously ensure excellent melt workability, high wear resistance, extremely low coefficient of friction, and sufficient resistance to pressure and creep, thereby achieving self-lubricating reliability and wear accuracy retention of the inner liner ring during long-term cyclic operation.

[0035] The load-bearing ring 6a, located on the outermost layer, is primarily used for the load-bearing framework. It needs to stably transmit changing tension to the subsequent laser ranging unit without undergoing permanent deformation. If the yield strength is insufficient, under repeated high tension, the ring will undergo plastic deformation, altering its size and shape, directly leading to distortion of the displacement conversion relationship and generating unavoidable errors. A yield strength of not less than 500 MPa ensures that the load-bearing ring always operates within its elastic range under rated maximum tension, guaranteeing the repeatability and accuracy of displacement feedback. Materials such as stainless steel, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy can achieve this strength requirement through heat treatment or work hardening, while also possessing good corrosion resistance, machinability, and lightweight advantages, making them suitable for use in marine or industrial environments with fiber optic composite cables.

[0036] The core function of the conductive ring 6b is to conduct away frictional current. The inner lining ring is made of polyethylene, an excellent insulator. When it slides continuously with the cable or experiences relative motion due to tension changes, friction causes charge separation and static electricity accumulation. If not conducted away in time, electrostatic discharge may interfere with the tension detection signal.

[0037] The conductivity of conductive ring 6b is not less than 10. 4 A modulus of S / m ensures that the charge generated by friction is quickly conducted to the grounding terminal, reducing charge accumulation to a safe level and achieving electrostatic discharge. The conductive ring's elastic modulus ≥ 50 GPa guarantees the stiffness and accuracy of displacement transmission. The conductive ring is a link in the force transmission chain; the cable pressure on the inner liner ring needs to be transmitted to the load-bearing ring through the conductive ring. If the conductive ring's elastic modulus is too low (i.e., the material is too soft), it will produce large elastic compression deformation under radial pressure, absorbing and hysteresis of some displacement, leading to nonlinear errors and hysteresis in the tension-displacement conversion, severely affecting detection accuracy. The polyethylene inner liner ring is tightly pressed in and has a low modulus (approximately 0.5~1 GPa). The conductive ring must provide a highly rigid base to constrain the deformation of the inner liner ring and maintain uniform and stable low-friction contact with the cable. A modulus ≥ 50 GPa ensures this rigid support, preventing the inner liner layer from experiencing accelerated wear or instability due to a soft base.

[0038] When the three-layer composite thin-walled ring of the guide ring assembly is under stress, the low stiffness of the middle layer can lead to overall structural instability, making it prone to ellipticization or warping. The higher modulus of the middle layer enables the conductive ring to work in conjunction with the load-bearing ring to maintain geometric stability, which is crucial for high-precision displacement feedback.

[0039] The load-bearing ring determines the lower limit of the structural strength, the conductivity of the conductive ring solves the problem of static electricity accumulation, and its high elastic modulus ensures the rigidity and accuracy of force-displacement conversion. Together, the three meet the comprehensive functional requirements of reliable load-bearing, precise displacement, and safe static elimination of the guide ring assembly.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the photoelectric composite cable tension feedback device provided in the embodiment of this application. As shown in the figure, the tension detection feedback device includes a tension displacement conversion unit, a laser ranging unit, and a feedback control unit. The tension displacement conversion unit is used to move and generate displacement when the tension changes. The laser ranging unit is used to measure the displacement generated by the tension displacement conversion unit. The feedback control unit is used to receive the displacement signal from the laser ranging unit and perform tension feedback.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a partial schematic diagram of the main structure of the optoelectronic composite cable take-up and release tension feedback device provided in the embodiments of this application. Figure 4 yes Figure 3A partially enlarged schematic diagram of the tension displacement conversion unit shows that it includes a support frame 1, a guide rail 2, a slider 3, a base block 5, a guide ring assembly 6, and a counterweight assembly connected below the guide ring assembly 6. The counterweight assembly includes a connector 6d, a vertical rod 8, a counterweight block 9, and fasteners 10. The guide rail 2 is fixed to the rod of the support frame 1, which is vertically fixed and perpendicular to the ground. The slider 3 is slidably connected to the guide rail 2, which is a high-precision guide rail. The base block 5 is rigidly fixed to the slider 3, for example, by welding. The guide ring assembly 6 is also rigidly fixed to the base block 5, for example, by welding. The total mass M of the slider 3, base block 5, and guide ring assembly 6 is less than 0.5 kg. The vertical suspension rod 8 is connected to the bottom of the load-bearing ring 6a via a circular connector 6d. A counterweight 9, with a slot, is inserted into the vertical suspension rod 8 and falls onto a tray 11 at the bottom of the rod, where it is secured by fasteners 10, such as nuts. The counterweight 9 comes in various sizes, with a weight of 0.1 Ng, where N is a positive integer. The counterweight is similar to a weight. A zero-position marker 14, a thin rod-shaped pointer, is located at the center of the travel of the guide rail 2 to mark the equilibrium state of the tension in the optical-electric composite cable under test. When the tension is too high, the follower zero-position pointer on the slider 3 moves upward by +ΔL relative to the fixed zero-position pointer on the support frame 1; when the tension is too low, the follower zero-position pointer on the slider 3 moves upward by -ΔL relative to the fixed zero-position pointer on the support frame 1. This design allows the tension to be observed more intuitively.

[0042] During operation, when the guide ring assembly 6 is sleeved on the optical-electric composite cable 7 under test, it can move according to the tension, thereby converting the tension of the optical-electric composite cable into the displacement of the base block 5 through the guide ring assembly. The laser ranging unit is used to measure the displacement of the base block 5, and the feedback control unit is used to collect the displacement of the base block 5 and feed back the cable tension.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic modulus of the base block 5 material is not less than 70 GPa, and the density is not higher than 2.7 g / cm³. 3 It is made of anodized aluminum or an aluminum-lithium alloy. The lightweight and high-hardness properties of the base block 5 also contribute to the accuracy of force transmission and tension-displacement conversion, similar to the conductive ring. Connecting the conductive ring and the slider, the base block must play a high-rigidity conversion role to transmit the force from the guide ring assembly 6 to the slider 3 without loss. Modulus ≥ 70 GPa and density not exceeding 2.7 g / cm³. 3 This ensures a rigid transition without introducing excessive additional gravity.

[0044] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of the laser ranging unit. As can be seen from the figure, the laser ranging unit includes a bracket 12, a laser ranging sensor 13, and a ranging target 4. The bracket 12 is arranged above the guide rail 2 and is similar to a tripod for installing the laser ranging sensor 13. The ranging target 4 is arranged on the top surface of the base block 5 and is directly opposite to the laser ranging sensor 13. The reflectivity of the ranging target is not less than 99.8%. The ranging target 4 is a highly reflective surface installed or pasted on the top surface of the base block 5 and can reflect the laser emitted by the laser ranging sensor well.

[0045] Figure 6 is Figure 1 A partial enlarged schematic diagram of the structure of the feedback control unit. As can be seen from the figure, the feedback control unit includes a PID controller, which is connected to the laser ranging sensor 13 by a signal line. The PID controller is used to convert the displacement measured by the laser ranging sensor 13 into a current signal or a Modbus signal through digital-to-analog conversion.

[0046] The present invention also provides a method for performing photoelectric composite cable retracting and paying-out tension feedback by using the device as described above, which includes the following steps: S1: Set the reference tension as F0, calculate the weight of the required counterweight according to the self-weight of the system, load the counterweight, and preset the slider 3 to the zero position mark 14. The feedback control unit automatically records the displacement L0 of the measurement base block 5 at this time. S2: When performing photoelectric composite cable retracting and paying-out, the laser ranging sensor 13 measures the ranging target 4 on the top surface of the base block 5 in real time to obtain the real-time displacement L of the base block 5. The difference between the real-time displacement L of the base block 5 and the displacement L0 described in step S1 is the displacement deviation ΔL. S3: The laser ranging sensor 13 transmits the displacement deviation ΔL to the PID controller through a signal line. The PID controller continuously outputs a standardized signal proportional to the displacement deviation, and uses the standardized signal to feedback the cable tension magnitude.

[0047] Among them, in step S2, when the photoelectric composite cable tension F < F0, the weight of the counterweight drives the guide ring assembly to move the base block downward along the guide rail, and the real-time displacement L of the base block increases, generating a positive displacement deviation +ΔL. Or, when the photoelectric composite cable tension F > F0, the weight of the counterweight drives the guide ring assembly to move the base block upward along the guide rail, and the real-time displacement L of the base block decreases, generating a negative displacement deviation -ΔL.

[0048] As a supplement, the present invention can integrate laser displacement detection, serial port real-time acquisition, deviation calculation, PID closed-loop regulation, and standard industrial signal output in a control box with a protective wiring, and construct an integrated, modular, and highly anti-interference displacement closed-loop control unit. This unit can convert the actual displacement of the measured object into a standard control signal recognizable by the drive system in real time, and realize the fast, stable, and high-precision automatic adjustment of the actuator to the target position.

[0049] The displacement L collected by the laser rangefinder is input into the programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC performs real-time difference calculation Δh = L - L0 and combines it with the PID control algorithm to form a stable and interference-resistant standard control output signal, which is then sent to the drive system to realize the closed-loop regulation of the target displacement deviation by the actuator.

[0050] This conversion method and signal standard design have high anti-interference properties. Using a current loop instead of a voltage signal, the current in the closed loop is almost unaffected by line resistance and induced noise. For Modbus, as a digital communication protocol, it has built-in verification and error correction, providing extremely strong data integrity. Modbus is a communication protocol where the master station initiates requests and the slave station responds, allowing for the transmission of richer data.

[0051] A programmable logic controller (PLC) contains a digital-to-analog converter (DAC). It first performs engineering calibration on the calculated displacement deviation Δh (e.g., -5mm to +5mm), mapping it to a 4-20mA current range. For example, Δh = -5mm corresponds to 4mA, Δh = 0mm corresponds to 12mA, and Δh = +5mm corresponds to 20mA. If the actual Δh = +2.5mm, the DAC will output a 16mA DC current. The drive system (such as a frequency converter) receives this 16mA and then reverse-engineers the required action. This is a digital-to-analog conversion process, transforming digital values ​​into physical current magnitudes. The loop impedance of a 4-20mA current signal is very low (typically several hundred ohms), and the interference current generated by external interference voltages is negligible.

[0052] Alternatively, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) can convert the displacement signal into a digital communication signal (such as Modbus). In this case, no signal type conversion is needed. The PLC directly packages the numerical value Δh (still in digital form, e.g., 250 represents 0.25mm) according to the Modbus protocol's format and sends it out via an interface such as RS-485. This is a protocol encapsulation process, packaging the numerical value into a data frame according to the agreed "syntax" and "format," much like sending a formatted telegram. Modbus data frames end with a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) code. Upon receiving the data, the receiver recalculates the check code and compares it. If the data is tampered with during transmission (e.g., a '0' becomes a '1'), the check will fail, and the receiver will discard the erroneous data instead of treating it as a correct instruction. It is a well-defined protocol, unlike simple pulse signals where a single miscounted pulse renders the entire data incorrect. Modbus uses clear start and stop bits between each byte, transforming the numerical value into a digital telegram with error checking capabilities, preventing data jumps and errors.

[0053] Traditional tension feedback devices use contact potentiometers or encoders to directly measure the tension wheel's swing angle, which suffers from mechanical friction, wear, and nonlinearity. This invention replaces the rotating pendulum with a linear displacement mechanism (slider guide rail), eliminating the nonlinear friction of the rotating bearing and system inertia. In this invention, the overall system design establishes a strictly linear relationship between displacement and tension change, rather than the trigonometric function relationship of the rotating pendulum. Combined with laser ranging, the displacement is directly read, unaffected by mechanical wear, and due to the ultra-low friction of the ultra-high molecular weight material, the obtained displacement signal has almost no frictional noise, providing a true reflection of tension changes.

[0054] This application, through the integrated design of a linear guide rail and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene inner ring, transforms the mechanical quantity of "tension," which is difficult to measure accurately, into the easily measurable quantity of "displacement" via a low-damping, near-frictionless, and highly linear mechanical system. This represents a comprehensive improvement from structural design to material selection, solving the problem of "low-tension, high-precision conversion" and ensuring that the feedback device possesses technical advantages such as high precision, high stability, high sensitivity, and long lifespan. It has significant industrial application value and innovation.

[0055] To further illustrate the importance of material selection for the guide ring assembly of the present invention, the following examples and comparative examples provide further explanation.

[0056] In the tables above, in Examples 1-5, the guide ring assembly structure is a combination of "load-bearing ring + conductive ring + inner liner ring," with the polyethylene molecular weight and density of the inner liner ring controlled within the required range. Simultaneously, different types of conductive ring materials (such as carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin, silicon carbide reinforced aluminum matrix composites, etc.) are used, and their elastic modulus is maintained above 50 GPa. When such guide ring assemblies are installed in tension feedback devices for testing, the inner liner ring provides an extremely low coefficient of friction and good self-lubrication, while the high-rigidity conductive ring ensures the linearity of the structure. The tension feedback device accuracy is better than 0.30% FS (up to 0.15%), and the long-term stability of the tension feedback device accuracy is excellent, with drift less than 0.10% over 1000 hours. This demonstrates that within this parameter range, the system can achieve high-precision force-displacement conversion.

[0057] In contrast, five comparative examples were set up, namely Comparative Example 1 to Comparative Example 5.

[0058] Comparative Example 1 did not include an inner liner ring, retaining only the load-bearing ring and the conductive ring (materials same as Example 1). When installed in a tension feedback device, the direct contact between the metal and hard plastic significantly increased the coefficient of friction and caused adhesion, leading to increased hysteresis error. Test results showed that the accuracy of the tension feedback device decreased to 0.65%, and its long-term stability was poor, with a drift of 0.25% after 1000 hours. This indicates that the inner liner ring is crucial for eliminating mechanical friction noise.

[0059] Comparative Example 2, based on Example 2, used a common rubber-filled conductive carbon black material with an elastic modulus of only 30 GPa as the conductive ring. When installed in a tension feedback device, the low stiffness of the conductive ring led to elastic deformation rather than rigid displacement under stress, resulting in nonlinear errors. Test results showed that the accuracy of the tension feedback device decreased to 0.55%, and its long-term stability deteriorated, with a drift of 0.22% after 1000 hours. This demonstrates that the conductive ring must possess sufficient stiffness (>50 GPa) to support linear measurements.

[0060] Comparative Example 3, based on Example 3, used ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a density as high as 1.10 g / cm³ (excessive filler). When installed in a tension feedback device, the high density was found to be accompanied by changes in crystallinity or increased filler content, leading to a deterioration in the surface friction properties of the material and the loss of the low-friction characteristics of UHMWPE. Test results showed that the accuracy of the tension feedback device decreased to 0.48%, and the long-term stability of the tension feedback device declined, with a drift of 0.18% after 1000 hours.

[0061] Comparative Example 4, based on Example 4, used ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene with a density as low as 0.69 g / cm³ (Note: the conductive ring material remained 50 GPa carbon fiber reinforced polyaniline, consistent with Example 4, eliminating interference from the conductive ring). When installed in a tension feedback device, due to the excessively low density of the inner ring, the material had high internal porosity and insufficient mechanical strength, making it prone to plastic deformation (creep) under long-term load, leading to zero-point drift. Test results showed that although the initial accuracy was acceptable, the accuracy of the tension feedback device still dropped to 0.52%, and the long-term stability of the tension feedback device deteriorated significantly, with a drift of up to 0.20% after 1000 hours. This strongly demonstrates that the density of the inner ring must be controlled within a reasonable range (e.g., around 0.93 g / cm³) to ensure long-term dimensional stability.

[0062] Comparative Example 5, based on Example 5, selected a material with a molecular weight as high as 7.0 × 10⁻⁶. 6 Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with a molecular weight of g / mol was installed in a tension feedback device. The excessively high molecular weight made processing difficult, resulting in extremely high melt viscosity and hindering the formation of a dense, smooth surface. Instead, it increased micro-roughness and frictional resistance. Test results showed that the accuracy of the tension feedback device decreased to 0.45%, and its long-term stability was generally poor, with a drift of 0.16% after 1000 hours.

[0063] In summary, only when the molecular weight and density of polyethylene, as well as the material and elastic modulus of the conductive ring, are within the specific ranges defined by this invention (as in Examples 1-5) can they work synergistically to achieve superior performance with an accuracy better than 0.3% and a long-term stability drift of less than 0.1%. Deviation from any single parameter (as shown in Comparative Examples 1-5) will lead to a significant decrease in device performance.

[0064] In the above embodiments and comparative examples, the load-bearing rings are all made of the same material, ductile iron.

[0065] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A guide ring assembly for a tension feedback device for the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable, characterized in that, The guide ring assembly (6) is circular in shape, including an outermost load-bearing ring (6a), a middle conductive ring (6b), and an inner liner ring (6c) tightly pressed into the conductive ring (6b). The inner liner ring (6c) is made of polyethylene. The guide ring assembly (6) is used to be fitted onto the optical-electric composite cable under test during operation and to contact it with the inner liner ring (6c) so as to be supported by the tension of the optical-electric composite cable under test and to move with the tension.

2. The guide ring assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner ring (6c) is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, with a viscosity-average molecular weight of [missing information]. Mη The molecular weight is 3.5 × 10⁻⁶. 6 g / mol ~ 6.0×10 6 g / mol, its density is 0.93 g / cm³. 3 ~0.94 g / cm 3 Its coefficient of kinetic friction is 0.05 ~ 0.

10.

3. The guide ring assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The load-bearing ring (6a) is made of stainless steel, titanium alloy, or aluminum alloy, with a yield strength of not less than 500 MPa, and the conductive ring (6b) has a conductivity of not less than 10. 4 S / m, which is a conductive polymer or conductive ceramic, and its elastic modulus is not less than 50 GPa.

4. A photoelectric composite cable take-up and release tension feedback device employing the guide ring assembly as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, It includes a tension-displacement conversion unit, a laser ranging unit, and a feedback control unit, wherein, The tension displacement conversion unit includes a support frame (1), a guide rail (2), a slider (3), a base block (5), and a guide ring assembly (6). The guide rail (2) is fixed to the rod of the support frame (1), the slider (3) is slidably connected to the guide rail (2), the base block (5) is rigidly fixed to the slider (3), and the guide ring assembly (6) is rigidly fixed to the base block (5) as a whole. When the guide ring assembly (6) is sleeved on the optical fiber composite cable to be tested, it can move with the tension, thereby converting the tension of the optical fiber composite cable into the displacement of the base block 5. The laser ranging unit is used to measure the displacement of the base block (5). The feedback control unit is used to collect the displacement of the base block (5) and output the corresponding control signal according to the displacement to control the cable tension.

5. The apparatus as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The elastic modulus of the base material (5) shall not be less than 70 GPa, and the density shall not be higher than 2.7 g / cm³. 3 It is either anodized aluminum or an aluminum-lithium alloy.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a counterweight assembly connected below the guide ring assembly (6), the counterweight assembly including a connector (6d), a vertical rod (8), a counterweight block (9) and a fastener (10), the vertical rod (8) being connected to the bottom of the load-bearing ring (6a) via the connector (6d), the counterweight block (9) having a slot for being inserted into the vertical rod (8) and falling onto the tray (11) at the bottom of the vertical rod (8), and being fixed to the rod by the fastener (10), the counterweight block (9) having a weight of 0.1 Ng, where N is a positive integer.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that, The laser ranging unit includes a bracket (12), a laser ranging sensor (13), and a ranging target (4). The bracket (12) is set above the guide rail (2) for mounting the laser ranging sensor (13). The ranging target (4) is set on the top surface of the base block (5) and faces the laser ranging sensor (13). The reflectivity of the ranging target is not less than 99.8%.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a zero mark (14), which is set at the center of the guide rail travel to mark the balance state of the tension of the optical-electric composite cable under test.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that, The feedback control unit includes a PID controller, which is connected to the laser rangefinder (13) via a signal line. The PID controller is used to convert the displacement measured by the laser rangefinder (13) into a current signal or a Modbus signal through digital-to-analog conversion.

10. A method for providing tension feedback during the take-up and release of an optoelectronic composite cable using the device described in any one of claims 4-9, characterized in that... It includes the following steps: S1: Set the reference tension to F0, calculate the required weight of the counterweight according to the system's own weight, load the counterweight, and preset the slider (3) to the zero mark (14). The feedback control unit automatically records the displacement L0 of the measuring block (5) at this time. S2: During the deployment and retraction of the optoelectronic composite cable, the laser range sensor (13) measures the range target (4) on the top surface of the base block (5) in real time to obtain the real-time displacement L of the base block (5). The difference between the real-time displacement L of the base block (5) and the displacement L0 described in step S1 is the displacement deviation ΔL. S3: The laser rangefinder (13) transmits the displacement deviation ΔL to the PID controller through the signal line. The PID controller continuously outputs a standardized signal proportional to the displacement deviation and uses the standardized signal to feedback the cable tension.

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