360-Degree Cable End Inspection for Reliable Power Cable Preparation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inadequate preparation of power cables for electrical accessories leads to frequent failures in electrical systems, resulting in operational costs and potential fines for electrical utilities, largely due to the skill-dependent nature of cable preparation.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for inspecting prepared power cable ends using a cable gripping section and an adjustable imaging device holding section, which rotates to capture a 360-degree image for analysis, providing feedback on preparation quality and identifying defects, leveraging computer vision and machine learning for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable preparation is performed manually based on installer skill, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but preparation quality and reliability deteriorate due to skill dependency and inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and skill-based preparation with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to detect cable preparation defects. The system substitutes human expertise with mechanical/optical detection devices that consistently identify defects such as improper stripping, contamination, and geometric irregularities without relying on installer skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system provides real-time feedback to the installer during the cable preparation process, enabling self-correction of defects. The system automatically analyzes images of the prepared cable end and communicates preparation quality back to the operator, allowing immediate correction without requiring external quality control personnel or complex manual inspection procedures.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive inspection is performed to detect all preparation defects, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but inspection time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system continuously captures images of the cable preparation process at critical stages, maintaining uninterrupted detection capability. The system performs real-time image analysis as the cable is being prepared, rather than requiring separate inspection steps, thereby maintaining continuous productive action while ensuring comprehensive defect detection throughout the preparation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary inspection of cable preparation before the cable is installed or connected. By detecting and flagging defects early in the preparation process, the system prevents defective cables from proceeding to installation, eliminating the need for rework or replacement later and actually improving overall productivity despite thorough inspection.
3Reliability
If multiple inspection points are examined to ensure complete coverage, then reliability improves, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system uses a single multi-functional imaging device that can detect multiple types of defects across different cable preparation stages. The same camera system and image processing algorithms identify various defect types including improper stripping, contamination, geometric irregularities, and preparation inconsistencies, eliminating the need for multiple specialized inspection devices or complex manual examination procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple inspection functions into one integrated device that simultaneously performs geometric analysis, contamination detection, and preparation quality assessment. By merging these functions into a single automated system with unified image processing, the patent simplifies operation while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage that would otherwise require multiple separate tools and procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for analyzing or inspecting a prepared portion of a power cable includes a cable gripping section to grip a portion of the power cable proximate to a prepared end of the power cable, where the cable end has been prepared by removing certain portions of the power cable so that it can properly accept an electrical or cable accessory, such as a splice or termination. The device also includes an imaging device holding section to hold an imaging device at a predetermined radial distance from the prepared cable end. In particular, the imaging device holding section is radially and axially adjustable in position. During inspection of the prepared cable end, the imaging device is fully rotated about the prepared cable end to acquire a 360 degree image of the prepared cable end.