Underground Cable Path Tester Using Set Frequency Signal Injection

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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 for easier operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing cable path testers are used, then the cable path can be detected, but the power grid must be de-energized which stops power supply and affects productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable path detection accuracyVSAvoidpower supply continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter by using a specific frequency signal (e.g., 1 kHz) that can be superimposed on the power grid without interfering with normal power supply. This allows the cable path tester to detect cable paths while the power grid remains energized, thus maintaining productivity while achieving detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If existing cable path testers are used, then the cable path can be detected, but bulky equipment and multiple operators are required which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable path detection accuracyVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the cable path testing function into two separate units: a signal generator unit that injects the test signal into the power grid, and a receiver unit that detects the signal along the cable path. This segmentation allows each unit to be compact and simple, eliminating the need for bulky equipment and multiple operators while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/connection-based testing methods with electromagnetic signal-based detection. By using electrical signals that can be transmitted through the power grid and detected remotely, the system eliminates the need for physical connection to cable ends and complex mechanical testing equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If existing cable path testers are used, then the cable path can be detected, but the cable ends must be identified which increases the difficulty of detecting and measuring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable path location accuracyVSAvoidcable end identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power grid itself serve as the signal transmission medium. The test signal is injected into the power grid at any point and automatically propagates along all connected cables, eliminating the need for operators to manually identify or access cable ends. The system self-locates cable paths by detecting where the signal appears in the grid

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 the detection of underground cable paths without the need to de-energize the power grid, reduces the complexity and cost of power grid renovations by eliminating the requirement for bulky equipment and multiple operators, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of cable path determination.

Implementation Method 1

a signal transmitting module...is used to add a set frequency signal to the power grid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a receiving probe...to receive and amplify the signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a signal amplifying module...is used to amplify the signal received by the signal receiving module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS20250199088A1Underground Cable Path Tester

Publication Date: 2025.06.19 YONGZHOU NUOFANGZHOU ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD

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.