Robot Mechanism for Nondestructive Cable Aging Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable cable aging testers require significant manual operation time, result in varying measurement accuracy, and are inefficient for commercialization due to the need for repetitive measurements, especially when cables change shape or hardness over time.
Innovation Solution
A robot mechanism with inspection modules and a coupler system that automatically measures cable aging by using drive rollers, force sensors, and indentation needles to establish a database for precise evaluation, reducing operator dependency and measurement time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement by operator using portable cable aging tester is used, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but measurement time increases significantly and measurement accuracy varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system with an automated robot mechanism. The robot equips inspection modules with measurement units that automatically perform cable aging evaluation, eliminating operator-dependent manual measurements. This substitution ensures consistent measurement accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required for evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot mechanism performs self-directed measurement operations through its control unit. The system automatically positions inspection modules, applies measurement forces, and records data without continuous human intervention. This self-service capability maintains high measurement precision while minimizing measurement time through automated repetitive operations.
2Measurement precision
If repetitive measurement at several measurement points is performed for accurate aging evaluation, then measurement accuracy improves, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable inspection task into multiple inspection modules, each capable of independent measurement at different locations. The robot distributes these modules along the cable and performs simultaneous or sequential measurements at multiple points. This segmentation enables comprehensive aging evaluation across the entire cable without requiring repeated sequential measurements, thereby improving both accuracy and operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot mechanism maintains continuous measurement operations by automatically transitioning between inspection modules and cable segments. The system performs uninterrupted sequential measurements across multiple points without idle time between operations, ensuring accurate aging evaluation while maximizing productivity through unbroken measurement continuity.
3Productivity
If automatic measurement system is implemented, then operation efficiency improves and measurement time reduces, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robot mechanism is designed as a multi-functional system that integrates inspection module deployment, automated positioning, force application, data measurement, and database establishment. This universal device performs all cable aging evaluation tasks through a single automated platform, improving operational efficiency while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hierarchical structure where inspection modules are nested within the robot's control system, and measurement units are nested within inspection modules. This nested architecture organizes complexity into manageable layers, enabling automatic measurement operations with improved efficiency while structuring device complexity in a systematic, controllable manner.
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
The robot mechanism enables rapid, accurate, and efficient nondestructive cable aging evaluation, reducing operation time and improving stability by allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple points on cables, thus facilitating stable cable management and replacement timing.
Implementation Method 1
a detection sensor detecting a velocity of the drive rollers to control the drive rollers. Here, each of the drive rollers is provided with a plurality of O-rings, and the detection sensor includes a photo-interrupter for velocity detection
Implementation Method 2
a force sensor provided to a lower portion of the cylinder to measure or control a force generated by the cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a robot mechanism for nondestructive aging evaluation of a cable. The robot mechanism includes at least two inspection modules, and a coupler disposed between the at least two inspection modules and connected to each of the inspection modules to adjust a separation between the inspection modules. Each of the inspection modules approaches a cable and automatically inspects an aged state of the cable. The robot mechanism automatically measures an aged state of a cable in a nondestructive manner and establishes a database of cable aging, so that normal operation of the cable can be ensured through stable management of the cable by evaluating a replacement time and the aged state of the cable based on the database.