Cable Control Apparatus With Optical Trigger Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cable systems that rely on cable length for operation are adversely affected by changes in environmental conditions, such as moisture, leading to inconsistent stopping and starting points.
Innovation Solution
A cable control apparatus with a motor-driven loop of cable, featuring multiple trigger points and sensors to control movement, minimizing slippage and allowing remote operation, including over the Internet, for precise location control of a carrier.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cable length is used to determine stopping and starting points, then the system operation is simple, but the stopping and starting points become inconsistent when cable length varies due to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-length-based positioning system with an optical sensor system that detects trigger points on the cable. Instead of relying on cable tension or length measurements, the system uses optical sensors to detect the presence of trigger points, which are reflective or colored markers attached to the cable at specific locations. This substitution eliminates the problem of cable length variation affecting positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces trigger points as intermediary elements on the cable that serve as reliable positional markers. These trigger points are detected by optical sensors and act as intermediaries between the cable movement and the control system. The trigger points remain at fixed positions on the cable regardless of cable length changes, providing consistent reference points for stopping and starting operations.
2Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to control cable movement, then the control mechanism is simple, but the system cannot reliably control carrier location with varying cable length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable into multiple segments with trigger points at specific locations along its length. Instead of using a single sensor to detect the entire cable, the system uses multiple sensors to detect individual trigger points at different positions. This segmentation allows the system to precisely determine carrier location by detecting which trigger points are currently at the sensor location, providing accurate positioning even when cable length varies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable interface with the motor allows for cable length variation, then the system is adaptable to environmental changes, but slippage occurs between the motor and cable affecting position control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical friction-based motor-cable interface with an optical detection system. Instead of relying on the motor to precisely control cable position through friction and tension, the system uses optical sensors to detect trigger points on the cable and provides feedback to the motor controller. This substitution eliminates slippage issues because the positioning is determined by optical detection rather than mechanical force transmission.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable control apparatus comprises a carrier disposed on a loop of cable; one or more trigger points disposed on the loop of cable; a control mechanism to control movement of the loop of cable, the control mechanism comprising a plurality of sensors to sense the one or more trigger points, and a motor to impart movement to the loop of cable. The sensors are functionally connected to the motor, and the motor has at least two wheels about which the loop of cable is wrapped a plurality of times. A first sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor and reverses the direction of the cable to bring the carrier to a base location; a second sensor of the plurality of sensors stops the motor when the carrier reaches the base location; and a third sensor of the plurality of sensors restarts the motor. In one embodiment, the carrier takes the form of a predator for frightening animals.