Anchor Cable Position Detection Using Incremental Encoder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring fastening anchor-support cable assemblies are labor-intensive, subjective, and prone to late detection of degradation, posing risks to infrastructure and safety due to reliance on visual inspections and strength tests.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an incremental encoder, acceleration sensor, and optional distance sensors, strain gauges, and induction coils to detect changes in the angle and length of the fastening anchor-support cable connection, enabling early detection of mechanical deformations and potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection with magnifying optics is used to monitor anchor points, then inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the inspection results are subjective and degradation is detected late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated sensor system comprising a laser distance sensor and evaluation unit. The sensor objectively measures the distance between the anchor point and support cable continuously, eliminating subjective human assessment and enabling precise detection of position changes that indicate degradation or failure.
2Reliability
If strength tests with defined tensile loads are performed on wall anchors, then the mechanical condition can be assessed, but the testing process is costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of anchor point conditions through the sensor system, which continuously measures distance and detects changes in real-time. This replaces periodic, discontinuous strength tests with ongoing surveillance, enabling early detection of degradation without requiring repeated costly and time-consuming load tests.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-monitoring of the anchor-support cable assembly by automatically detecting position changes and generating alerts when degradation is detected, eliminating the need for manual intervention and extensive personnel involvement required for traditional strength testing.
3Measurement precision
If personnel are deployed to perform visual inspections and strength tests, then direct observation of anchor condition is possible, but significant personnel and time expenditure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human inspectors with an automated sensor-based monitoring system that continuously measures and evaluates anchor point conditions. This substitution maintains high detection accuracy through objective measurements while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual inspection processes and reducing personnel requirements.
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 reliable, autonomous, and timely identification of defects in fastening anchor-support cable assemblies, reducing personnel and time expenditure while ensuring safety by providing quantitative data on deformation and damage, thus preventing complete system failure.
Implementation Method 1
an incremental encoder (6), which detects a change in the position of the support cable (4) relative to the fastening anchor (2)
Implementation Method 2
an acceleration sensor (6'), which defines a vertical spatial axis (10)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5a~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A device for detecting the relative position between a stationary anchor point attached to a support structure and a tensioned suspension cable attached to the end of the anchor point is described, comprising a position detection unit that is attached directly or indirectly to the anchor point or to the support structure and includes an incremental encoder and an arm element with two arm ends, one arm end of which is connected to the incremental encoder and the other arm end of which is connected directly or indirectly to the suspension cable.