Cable Path Obstacle Detection for Vehicle Power Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles equipped with power cables for supplying power to equipment at locations like construction sites face challenges in detecting and avoiding obstacles in the cable's pathway, which can lead to cable damage or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a vehicle-mounted computer with sensors like radar and cameras to create a topographical map of the area, detect potential obstacles, and recommend alternative routings or remedial actions to prevent cable contact with obstacles, such as repositioning the vehicle or using supports to elevate the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cable is extended from the vehicle to power equipment, then power supply capability is improved, but the cable may contact obstacles causing damage or malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles in the cable pathway before the cable is deployed. Sensors scan the area and identify potential hazards, allowing the system to plan a safe cable route in advance and prevent obstacle contact before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection and control system between the vehicle and the cable. This intermediary system uses sensors to detect obstacles and communicates routing instructions to the vehicle operator, preventing direct contact between the cable and obstacles through informed decision-making.
2Reliability
If manual monitoring of cable pathways is used, then obstacle detection is possible, but labor requirements and response time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service obstacle detection by equipping the vehicle with automated sensors that continuously monitor the cable pathway. The system independently identifies obstacles and determines safe routing without requiring manual inspection, thereby reducing labor requirements and enabling faster response to potential hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with automated electronic sensing. Instead of relying on human operators to visually inspect and manually adjust cable routes, the system uses electronic sensors and automated processing to detect obstacles and determine safe pathways, significantly reducing response time.
3Reliability
If cable routing is changed to avoid obstacles, then cable safety is improved, but vehicle repositioning or additional equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic cable routing that can adapt in real-time to detected obstacles. Rather than requiring fixed repositioning of the vehicle or equipment, the system continuously adjusts the cable pathway based on current environmental conditions, allowing flexible avoidance of obstacles while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the cable pathway into multiple possible segments or routes. When an obstacle is detected in one segment, the system can redirect the cable through alternative segments without requiring complete repositioning of the vehicle or equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining cable safety.
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
Effectively prevents cable damage by identifying and avoiding obstacles, ensuring reliable power supply and reducing the need for manual intervention or costly repairs.
Implementation Method 1
A vehicle-mounted computer may be configured to detect obstacles in a pathway of a cable
Implementation Method 2
sensors like radar and cameras to create a topographical map of the area
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for detecting obstacles in the pathway of cables. In an example method, a first location at a site for stationing a vehicle may be selected. A first routing for a cable may then be determined, where a first end of the cable is connected to the vehicle stationed at the first location. It may then be determined at the vehicle whether the first routing for the cable passes through at least one potential or actual obstacle, where the determination is based at least in part on a topographic map. Responsive to the determination that the first routing for the cable passes through the at least one potential or actual obstacle, a remedial action may be performed, where the remedial action prevents the first routing of the cable from passing through the at least one potential or actual obstacle.