Cable Blowing Device Dynamic Thrust Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blowing devices for inserting cables or pipes into empty conduits often cause damage due to excessive frictional resistance, especially with thin fiber optic cables, as they rely on adjustable propulsion speed and torque settings which can lead to synchronization issues and unintended damage during the laying process.

Innovation Solution

A blowing device with a measuring device positioned on the output side of the propulsion device to evaluate the effect of propulsion on the cable, allowing for precise adjustment of propulsion power and air supply based on measured variables, thereby minimizing damage and optimizing insertion conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the propulsion speed is increased to improve insertion efficiency, then the cable insertion speed is improved, but the cable may buckle or roll up due to excessive frictional resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable insertion speedVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the synchronization between driving and driven propulsion rollers as a measured variable. When the driven roller deviates from synchronous operation, indicating cable buckling or excessive friction, the system automatically reduces propulsion speed to prevent cable damage. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of propulsion parameters based on real-time cable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The propulsion device dynamically adjusts its operating parameters (speed and torque) during the cable insertion process. The system transitions from static speed/torque settings to dynamic control where propulsion characteristics change continuously based on monitored synchronization conditions, allowing optimal balance between insertion speed and cable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If the torque of the drive motor is increased to improve propulsion capability, then the cable can be pushed further into the pipe, but the cable sheath may be damaged by the propulsion device

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepropulsion forceVSAvoidcable sheath damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors synchronization between driving and driven rollers to detect excessive torque conditions. When the driven roller fails to keep up with the driving roller, indicating potential cable damage, the system automatically reduces torque output. This feedback control prevents torque-related cable damage while maintaining adequate propulsion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes propulsion parameters (torque and speed) based on monitored conditions. Rather than using fixed high torque settings, the system adjusts torque levels in real-time according to cable resistance and synchronization status, optimizing the balance between propulsion force and cable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the propulsion speed is set too high, then insertion efficiency is improved, but the cable may be damaged due to friction in the empty pipe

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion efficiencyVSAvoidfrictional damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors synchronization between driving and driven propulsion rollers to detect friction-related cable stress. When friction causes the driven roller to fall out of sync with the driving roller, the system automatically reduces propulsion speed to minimize frictional damage while maintaining insertion progress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static high-speed propulsion to dynamic speed control. Propulsion speed is continuously adjusted during insertion based on real-time synchronization monitoring, enabling the system to operate at high speeds when conditions permit and reduce speed when frictional damage risk increases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution enables faster and more reliable cable insertion with reduced risk of damage by dynamically adjusting propulsion speed, torque, and air supply in response to real-time frictional forces, ensuring optimal conditions for cable insertion and preventing premature damage.

Implementation Method 1

a compressed air supply (18) for supporting the insertion of the cable (2) into the empty pipe (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

two propulsion rollers (12), between which the cable (2) to be inserted is constantly carried along in the direction of advance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4089456A1Blowing device and method for operating same
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 KRONENKAMP WERK GMBH
  • EP4089456A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4089456A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4089456A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a blowing device for inserting a cable 2 or pipe into a conduit 3, with a driven thrusting device 11 for advancing the cable 2 to be inserted to a pipe receptacle 9 in which an insertion end 4 of the conduit 3 can be received. The pipe receptacle 9 is arranged in a pressure chamber 14, to which compressed air can be supplied to assist the insertion of the cable 2 into the conduit 3. The thrusting device 11 is adjustable with respect to its thrusting power 29, and the blowing device 1 is designed to adjust the thrusting device 11 as a function of at least one measured variable 27, which represents the effect of the thrust on the cable 2. Furthermore, a method for operating the blowing device 1 is proposed.In order to enable the cable to be inserted as quickly as possible while providing the greatest possible protection against damage to the cable and to counteract incorrect operation of the blowing device, a measuring device 25 for recording the measured quantity 27 is arranged on an output side 10 of the thrust device 11.