Cable Identification System With Distributed Antenna
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cable identification methods face challenges such as physical access constraints, visibility issues, and signal quality problems, making it difficult to accurately identify cables and connected peripherals, especially when existing solutions like labels, testers, and RFID systems are limited or unreliable.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cable identification system featuring an electronic chip with a communication module, memory for data storage, and an antenna extending along the cable, allowing for data communication between the chip and a terminal, enabling efficient data transmission and modification of identification data, including customizable fields, while addressing signal reception issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If labels or barcodes are attached to cables for identification, then cable identification is enabled, but the identification cannot be modified without removing the code and generating a new one
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical label attachment with an electronic RFID chip system that can be programmed and reprogrammed electronically. The RFID chip stores identification data that can be modified by sending new data through the communication terminal, eliminating the need to physically remove and replace labels when identification needs to change.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If cable identification is performed using a tester, then connection identification is possible, but the cable must be unplugged and the technique is specific to given cable types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal identification system using RFID chips that can be integrated into various cable types (coaxial, twisted pair, optical fiber). The communication terminal can identify and communicate with cables of different types through the standardized RFID interface, eliminating the need for type-specific testing equipment and maintaining cable connections during identification.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If visual identification by injecting light source is used, then cable end location can be seen, but it only works over short distances and provides no information on connected elements or cable characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RFID chip as an intermediary device embedded in the cable that stores and transmits comprehensive information about the cable's characteristics, connected elements, and routing. The communication terminal communicates with this chip to retrieve detailed information, replacing the limited light-based visual identification method with an electronic information system that provides extensive data without requiring physical proximity or cable disconnection.
4Loss of information
If RFID tag is attached to cable for identification, then cable parameter information can be managed, but good parameterization requires good signal reception which is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the RFID antenna along the entire length of the cable rather than concentrating it at a single point. This distributed antenna configuration increases the probability of successful communication by providing multiple potential reception points along the cable, ensuring that at least one section will have good signal reception with the communication terminal regardless of positioning challenges.
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 system provides reliable and flexible cable identification and management, allowing for accurate data retrieval and modification without requiring precise positioning of the communication terminal, enhancing logistics and usability in cable network management.
Implementation Method 1
at least one antenna (2) arranged along the cable (1) and extending over the entire length of the cable to be identified, said antenna being connected to the chip to allow data communication between said electronic chip and the communication terminal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated system for identifying cables and connected peripherals, comprising at least one cable (1) provided with at least one connector (10), at least one electronic chip (3) associated with a supply arrangement, the chip including at least one module for communicating with a terminal (5), a memory in which data, identification data (4) of the cable (1), and at least one identifier are stored, said system being characterised in that it includes at least one antenna (2) arranged along the cable (1) and extending over at least one portion of the cable (1) to be identified, said antenna being connected to the chip (3) in order to allow data communication between said electronic chip and the communication terminal (5) via the activation of a management program contained in said chip (3).