Cable Length Measurement Device Using Chronological Data Recording
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining cable lengths on construction sites are inefficient and time-consuming, particularly when cables are laid under plaster or in hard-to-reach areas, as they require retrospective estimation or manual measurement, which can be difficult and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device that records a chronological sequence of measurement data and transmits the cable length immediately after a change is detected, using techniques such as capacitive, inductive, or propagation time measurements, allowing for precise determination of the cut cable length without the need for manual remeasurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If retrospective measurement by hand using a folding ruler is used, then cable length can be determined after installation, but the measurement process becomes very difficult and time-consuming when cable is laid under plaster or in hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is attached to the cable reel before cable installation begins. It continuously monitors cable length during the laying process, recording data chronologically. This preliminary measurement action eliminates the need for difficult retrospective measurements after the cable is concealed in walls or ceilings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement (folding ruler) with an automated measurement system that uses electrical or electronic sensing. The device measures cable length through electrical parameters (such as capacitance or resistance) or mechanical sensing during unwinding, substituting the need for physical contact measurement with the installed cable.
2Loss of information
If manual measurement with a folding ruler is used after cable installation, then cable length can be determined, but the process becomes inaccessible and impractical when cable is laid under plaster
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device records cable length information during the installation process itself, storing chronological measurement data. This ensures that cable length information is captured while the cable is still accessible on the reel, eliminating the need for later access to concealed cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a transmission device as an intermediary to transfer measurement data from the measuring device to external systems (such as construction management software or databases). This intermediary ensures that cable length information is preserved and made accessible without requiring physical access to the installed cable.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring and automatic transmission of measurement data is implemented, then cable length information is immediately available, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it measures cable length, records data chronologically, detects changes in cable length, and transmits information automatically. This multi-functionality achieves high productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as all functions are combined in one coordinated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device automatically detects changes in measurement data and triggers transmission without external intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own output and initiating data transmission when relevant changes occur, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
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
Enables immediate and accurate measurement of cable lengths, reducing the time and effort required for construction site assessments and ensuring accurate invoicing by automating the data transmission process.
Implementation Method 1
In US 2003/128039 A1, the current cable length is determined by measuring the capacitance of the cable.
Implementation Method 2
In addition to such electrical cables, optical fiber optic cables can also be considered in principle, the length of which z. B. can be determined by a runtime measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for determining cable lengths (12, 22) (12, 22) based on measurement data of a measurand corresponding to the length of the cable to be determined, recorded by a measuring instrument (1, 11, 21, 31), wherein the measuring instrument (1, 11, 21, 31) records a temporal sequence of measurement data, wherein the method is characterized by the following process steps: • Calibration of the measuring instrument with respect to the length of the cable to be measured (2, 12, 22, 32); • Detection of a cutting process of a cable segment (4) from the cable (2, 12, 22, 32) based on at least one temporal change in the measurement data from the recorded measurand; • Determination of the length of the cable (2, 12, 22, 32) based on at least two measurement data (W1, W2) which were measured before and after the occurrence of the cutting process during the temporal sequence of measurement data.