Cable Inspection Apparatus Using Dual Load Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cable inspection methods suffer from low precision due to the use of a single load cell and inadequate cable fixation, leading to errors in force measurement and damage during sample collection, especially for aerial cables exposed to environmental factors.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus utilizing multiple load cells and a vibration mechanism to ensure accurate close contact between the cable and clamps, with a distance adjustment unit and indenter moving system to improve measurement accuracy and precision during cable inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single load cell is used to measure indentation force, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into multiple independent load cells (first load cell for indentation force, second load cell for cable pressure) rather than using a single load cell. This segmentation allows each load cell to specialize in measuring specific forces, thereby improving overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through functional division.
2Reliability
If mechanical torque switch is used to fix the cable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to alignment defects and friction changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical torque switch fixation system with a clamp-based mechanical fixation system. The clamp securely holds the cable between upper and lower clamps, providing stable and reliable fixation without the alignment defects and friction variations inherent in torque switch mechanisms. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple clamping action while significantly improving measurement reliability.
3Measurement precision
If cable sample is collected for inspection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the cable is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs indentation testing directly on the installed cable using a portable testing apparatus, creating a non-destructive copy of the testing process that would otherwise require physical sample removal. The indenter applies controlled force through the coating to measure deterioration characteristics without extracting or damaging the cable, thereby obtaining precise measurement data while preserving cable integrity.
4Measurement precision
If the indenter applies force to indent the coating, then the measurement of deterioration is achieved, but the force measurement accuracy deteriorates due to friction changes in driving unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical driving unit with variable friction characteristics with a direct load cell measurement system. The first load cell directly measures the indentation force applied by the indenter, eliminating the need for mechanical transmission components whose friction changes would affect measurement accuracy. This direct measurement approach ensures both high force measurement accuracy and consistent measurement reliability.
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
Enhances measurement accuracy by using multiple load cells and fine vibration to maintain precise contact, allowing for accurate deterioration assessment of cables in situ without causing damage, thereby improving reliability and reducing errors.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator connected to the lower clamp and configured to apply vibration to the lower clamp
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for cable inspection, which inspects an aerial cable used in electric power transmission, the apparatus including: first and second plates spaced apart from each other; a lower clamp disposed on the first plate; an upper clamp disposed on the second plate to face the lower clamp and having a through hole in a vertical direction; a distance adjustment unit configured to adjust a separation distance between the first and second plates; an indenter indented in a coating of the cable through the through hole; a first load cell configured to measure an indentation force of the indenter and to output a signal corresponding to the measured indentation force; a second load cell disposed under the lower clamp and configured to measure pressure applied to the cable and to output a signal corresponding to the measured pressure; and an indenter moving unit configured to control movement of the indenter. According to the present invention, deterioration of a cable is measured using a plurality of sensors so that measurement accuracy can be improved and measurement of deterioration of the cable can be performed in a state in which the cable is disposed.