Contact-Free Cable Dispensing Device Using Optical Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for dispensing anti-freeze and anti-wear fluids on electric cables are complex and costly, requiring contact with the cable for accurate tracking and fluid application, which is not feasible for all cable configurations and types.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base structure attachable to a vehicle, equipped with a working unit that includes dispensing components and sensors, controlled by a unit that uses camera and sensor data to adjust its position without contact, allowing for adaptive fluid application and wear detection along the cable's course, using lifting/lowering and displacement means to follow the cable's shape without mechanical rollers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contact-based rollers or sliding blocks are used to track the cable, then reliable engagement and tracking can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based tracking systems (rollers, sliding blocks) with an optical detection system using cameras and sensors to monitor cable position and guide the working unit, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining tracking reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces camera systems and sensor arrays as intermediary detection devices that capture cable position data, which is then processed by control units to guide the working unit, eliminating direct mechanical contact while ensuring accurate cable engagement
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical rollers are used to follow the cable, then the cable can be tracked along its course, but the device cannot adapt to all cable configurations and types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable working units with multiple degrees of freedom that can move independently in vertical and horizontal directions, allowing the system to adapt to various cable configurations (straight sections, bends, slopes) while maintaining reliable engagement through real-time position adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal working unit that can handle different cable types and configurations through optical detection and controlled movement, making the device versatile for various cable maintenance tasks without requiring cable-specific mechanical adaptations
3Loss of substance
If selective nozzle activation is used to reduce antifreeze waste, then substance loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates sensors that detect cable position and trigger selective activation of nozzles only in the required zones, creating a feedback-controlled system that reduces antifreeze waste by applying fluid only where needed while managing complexity through automated control logic
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for the dispensing of an anti-freeze and/or anti-wear fluid or liquid and/or gas and/or vapour on to a cable (C) for the transmission of electric current and/or for evaluating the wear of a cable (C), comprises a base structure (2) attachable to a vehicle and supporting at the top at least one working unit (3) of the cable (C), the device comprises also a lifting/lowering and/or articulation and/or displacement apparatus (4) of the working unit (3) with respect to the base structure (2), and a dispensing component of an anti-freeze fluid (5) and/or a sensor element (6a, 6b) for detecting the wear of a cable (C), wherein the working unit (3) comprises at least one main camera or a sensor component (7) designed to detect the course and/or development of the cable (C) as well as a control unit designed to receive data from said main camera or sensor component (7) so as to drive accordingly the lifting/lowering and/or articulation and/or displacement apparatus (4) to move according to the course and/or development of the cable (C) the working unit (3) and then the dispenser component (5) of an anti-freeze fluid and/or the sensor element (6a, 6b) for detecting the wear of a cable (C).