Cable Apparatus for Gas Turbine Imaging Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable systems for imaging in gas turbine engines require power-intensive operations to change zoom states, leading to substantial resource drain due to continuous action needed to adjust the imaging device's position relative to components, which are difficult to access and deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
A cable apparatus with an actuator and power source that allows the cable to assume discrete positions, using a mechanism where the cable translates only when activated, drawing minimal power, and returns to rest positions when deactivated, featuring a housing with rotating and translating elements to adjust the imaging device's position efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handheld device continuously acts on the cable to maintain a different zoom state, then the imaging device position can be adjusted, but power consumption increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The cable unit operates intermittently rather than continuously - it is activated to translate the cable to a new position and then deactivated to remain stationary. This periodic operation pattern eliminates continuous power consumption while maintaining the ability to adjust the imaging device position when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing cable translation mechanism to achieve position changes without requiring continuous active control. Once the cable is translated to the desired position, it maintains that position through its mechanical structure without needing continuous power input.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is made adjustable to change length, then the imaging device can be repositioned, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active control function from the entire cable system and concentrates it in a single cable unit with an actuator. The rest of the cable system remains passive and simple, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable unit serves multiple functions - it acts as both the structural cable element and the active actuation mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A cable apparatus (20) is provided and includes a cable (20) to assume discrete positions, an actuator (50) operably coupled to the cable (20) and including a power source (512) and a cable unit (516), which, when activated, causes the cable (20) to translate and draws power from the power source (512) and, when deactivated, draws no power and permits cable (20) translation and a housing (60) operably disposed along the cable (20) and including a first element (620), (640) that rotates and translates with respect to the cable (20) and a second element (630) fixed to the cable (20), the first element (620), (640) being configured to cause the second element (630) to rotate.