Underground Cable Path Tracing Using Injected Frequency Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable path testers require the low-voltage power grid to be de-energized and are bulky, necessitating multiple operators and the identification of cable ends to determine the path, which limits power grid renovation and construction.
Innovation Solution
An underground cable path tester that adds a set frequency signal to the power grid and uses a receiving probe to receive and amplify the signal, allowing for the detection of cable paths regardless of whether the cables are electrified, and features a compact design that eliminates the need for multiple operators and cable end identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cable path testers are used to detect underground cable paths, then the cable path can be determined, but the power grid must be de-energized and multiple operators are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable path detection methods with electromagnetic signal injection and reception. The tester injects a specific frequency signal into the cable and uses electromagnetic field reception to trace the cable path, eliminating the need for manual operations at cable ends and reducing operator requirements to one person.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic signal as an intermediary carrier to transmit cable path information. By injecting a test signal into the cable and receiving its electromagnetic radiation, the system indirectly traces the cable path without requiring direct physical access to cable ends or de-energizing the grid.
2Measurement precision
If traditional cable path testers are used, then cable path detection is possible, but the equipment is bulky and requires multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cable path detection function into two independent components: signal injection through the cable and electromagnetic field reception. This segmentation allows the use of simple, compact receiving equipment that can be handheld, eliminating the need for bulky traditional testing devices while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct electrical measurement to electromagnetic field reception. By detecting the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the energized cable at a specific frequency, the system achieves accurate path tracing with simplified, compact equipment that does not require complex internal structures.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cable path detection methods are used, then the cable path can be identified, but the cable must be de-energized which limits power grid renovation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary to detect cable paths on energized circuits. The test signal is injected into the live cable, and its electromagnetic field is received and traced, allowing cable path identification without interrupting power supply and enabling continuous power grid operations during renovation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from direct electrical contact requiring de-energization to non-contact electromagnetic field detection. This parameter change allows the cable to remain energized during testing, providing flexibility for power grid renovation and construction activities to proceed without interruption.
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 accurate detection of underground cable paths without de-energizing the power grid, simplifies the process by reducing the need for multiple operators and bulky equipment, and allows for efficient power grid renovation and construction.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transmitting module...to add a set frequency signal to the power grid
Implementation Method 2
receives and amplifies it through a receiving probe
Implementation Method 3
signal amplifying module...to receive and amplifies the signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed in the present disclosure is an underground cable path tester, in which a first signal processing device is connected to a data port of a primary unit central control module, and a second signal processing device is connected to an output port of the first signal processing device; regarding the first signal processing device, data ports of a signal receiving module, a signal amplifying module, a phase-locked loop module, and a secondary unit central control module are sequentially connected; and regarding the second signal processing device, a probe, a filter module, an amplifier module, and an alarm module are sequentially connected. The present disclosure allows a set frequency signal to be added to the power grid, by receiving and amplifying the probe signal, testing the underground cable path, regardless of whether the underground cable is electrified or not, the cable path is detectable, and the primary unit and the secondary unit adopt a small and compact structural design, which solves the deficiencies of the previous need for bulky instruments and equipment, multi-person operation and the need to find the ends of the target cable in order to determine the path.