High-Voltage Cable End Surface Inspection Using Gloss Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting the surface quality of high voltage cable ends are either unreliable due to human error or cumbersome due to the need for external laboratories and destructive sampling.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a gloss measuring device to assess the surface quality of high voltage cable ends by measuring the gloss level of the transition surface and comparing it to predetermined reference levels, allowing for quick and precise on-site quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human eye inspection is used to check surface quality, then the inspection process is simple and quick, but the reliability is low due to human error and limited data collection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical human eye inspection system with an optical measurement system (gloss meter or optical profilometer) that objectively measures surface properties. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining quick inspection capability, as the device can rapidly scan and quantify surface gloss or roughness parameters without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement parameter (gloss level or roughness value) that mediates between the physical surface condition and the quality assessment. Instead of direct visual judgment, the surface optical properties are measured and converted into quantifiable data that can be objectively compared against acceptance criteria, thereby improving reliability while keeping the process efficient.
2Measurement precision
If optical profilometry is used for surface measurement, then measurement precision is high, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct surface topography mapping (complex optical profilometry) to surface optical property measurement (gloss level). This parameter transformation allows achieving sufficient measurement precision for quality control purposes with a simpler device that measures reflected light intensity rather than reconstructing full surface geometry, thereby reducing device complexity and setup requirements.
3Ease of operation
If contact tape measurement is used, then the device is portable and easy to use, but it is not suitable for surfaces with low roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact tape deformation method with an optical measurement approach (gloss meter). This substitution allows measuring surfaces with very low roughness that cannot deform contact tape, while maintaining portability and ease of operation. The optical device can detect subtle surface variations through light reflection patterns without requiring physical contact or surface deformation.
4Productivity
If portable stylus profilometry is used, then on-site measurement is enabled, but the surface is damaged by scratching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical stylus that physically contacts and scratches the surface with an optical measurement system (gloss meter or optical profilometer). These devices measure surface properties through light reflection without physical contact, enabling on-site inspection while completely avoiding surface damage. The optical beam can be focused to achieve high spatial resolution without mechanical interaction.
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
This method enables reliable and precise on-site inspection of high voltage cable ends, reducing the risk of human error and eliminating the need for external laboratories, thereby accelerating and simplifying the quality control process.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a gloss level of the at least one section of the transition surface through operating the gloss measuring device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the quality of a transition surface (14) of a high voltage electric component (2) for a transition is proposed. The method includes providing a 5 high voltage electric component (2) having a transition surface (14), arranging a gloss measuring device (16) on at least one section of the transition surface (14), measuring a gloss level of the at least one section of the transition surface (14) through operating the gloss measuring device (16), and comparing the measured gloss level with at least one predetermined reference gloss level to determine a surface quality of the at least 10 one section of the transition surface (14). A signal depending on the determined quality is output.