Cable Blowing Control Using Resistance Feedback to Prevent Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable installation apparatuses face challenges in efficiently controlling the installation process to prevent cable buckling or curling within conduits, particularly when using fluid drag and conveyor arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a blowing chamber, fluid flow control, pushing drive unit, and conveyor arrangement, equipped with a force sensor to measure resistance, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and driving speed to manage cable installation, including features to adjust fluid flow and driving speed based on resistance measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the conveyor arrangement feeds the cable into the conduit at high speed, then the installation productivity is improved, but the cable may buckle or curl up inside the conduit instead of being advanced smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The control means continuously monitors the measure of resistance to cable installation and dynamically adjusts the conveyor arrangement's driving speed and fluid flow rate based on real-time resistance measurements. When resistance increases indicating potential buckling, the system automatically reduces conveyor speed or increases fluid flow to prevent cable damage while maintaining smooth installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, fixed-speed conveyor operation to dynamic, variable-speed operation. The conveyor arrangement's driving speed is continuously adjusted based on real-time resistance measurements, allowing the system to adapt to changing installation conditions and prevent cable buckling while maintaining high productivity when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If the fluid flow rate is increased to prevent cable buckling, then the cable installation reliability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control means monitors resistance measurements and adjusts fluid flow rate dynamically. Fluid flow is increased only when resistance measurements indicate potential cable buckling, and reduced when resistance is low, thereby maintaining cable installation reliability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during normal installation conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fluid flow parameter dynamically based on resistance measurements. Instead of maintaining constant high fluid flow, the system adjusts the flow rate to match actual installation needs, reducing energy consumption while maintaining cable installation stability when required.
3Speed
If the conveyor arrangement applies high pushing force to advance the cable, then the installation speed is improved, but the cable friction and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Pressurized fluid acts as an intermediary between the conveyor arrangement and the cable. Instead of the conveyor directly pushing the cable with high force, the fluid flow reduces friction between the cable and conduit walls, allowing the cable to advance smoothly with lower applied force, thereby reducing heat generation and cable damage risk.
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 apparatus effectively prevents cable buckling by dynamically adjusting fluid flow and driving speed, ensuring smooth cable installation by minimizing friction and allowing for real-time correction of cable loops or curls.
Implementation Method 1
a flow of pressurized fluid inside the conduit to provide a drag to the cable therein
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a blowing chamber house having a cable inlet opening, a cable outlet opening, a fluid inlet opening for receiving a supply of pressurized fluid. A fluid flow control for controlling flow of pressurized fluid to the fluid inlet opening of the blowing chamber house. A pushing drive and a conveyor including conveyer parts arranged at opposing sides of a cable guidance space and configured to be driven by the pushing drive. The control is arranged to determine a measure of resistance to a cable being installed into the conduit by the conveyor and for controlling the operation of the apparatus in accordance with the determined measure of resistance. The control is arranged to control the fluid flow control to increase the flow of pressurized fluid into the blowing chamber house in response to an increase in the determined resistance.