3D Scanning of High-Voltage Cable Accessories for Precise Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning and quality control of high voltage cable accessories are prone to human error, costly, time-consuming, and lack mechanisms for tracking and ensuring accurate placement and geometry over the cable's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A 3-dimensional scanning system and processor are used to determine the geometry of high voltage cable accessories, identify points of interest, calculate positioning points, and perform quality checks, storing data for future reference and tracking changes in the accessory's position and geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement procedures are used for positioning accessory components, then the installation process is simple and low-cost, but the measurements are prone to human errors and lack accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement procedures with an automated optical scanning system. A 3D scanner captures the geometry of the cable and accessory components, and a processor automatically calculates positioning points, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital 3D copy of the physical cable and accessory components through scanning. This digital model is then used for precise positioning calculations without requiring physical measurement tools, enabling accurate replication of the positioning process.
2Productivity
If skilled operators perform manual positioning with thorough understanding, then positioning accuracy can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires extensive training
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service positioning by automatically calculating optimal positioning points based on scanned geometry data. The processor independently determines positioning locations without requiring skilled operator intervention or training, reducing both time loss and dependency on expert personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning and calculation of positioning points before the actual installation. By pre-determining the exact positioning locations through automated processing of scanned data, the actual installation process is accelerated without requiring operators to perform complex measurements during installation.
3Reliability
If accessory components are installed without tracking mechanisms, then the installation process is simple, but there is no ability to control positioning after several years due to dimensional changes and deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback loop by storing the initial 3D scanned data and calculated positioning points as a reference. This digital record enables ongoing monitoring and verification of accessory component positioning over time, allowing detection of any shifts or deformations while maintaining system simplicity through digital record-keeping.
4Measurement precision
If quality control procedures are performed manually, then surface defects can be detected, but the process is costly and time-staking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated 3D optical scanning for quality control. The scanner captures surface geometry data that is processed to detect defects, providing both high measurement precision and improved productivity through automated analysis without requiring manual examination of each component.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for performing quality checks and positioning of a high voltage accessory component on a high voltage cable during installations and re-using the data from the positioning at a later stage during the lifetime of the cable is described. A 3-dimensional scanner is employed to scan the surface of the high voltage cable and the accessory component to be placed on the cable. The data from the scanner is converted into 3D coordinates and employed by a processor to check for deviations in the quality of the accessory components. The processor then computes and determines the positioning of the accessory component on the high voltage cable. A method for performing quality checks for the subcomponents of the accessory components before positioning of the accessory component during installations is also described.