Automated Cable Specimen Peeling and Spooling for Non-Destructive Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing high-voltage cable samples are limited by their lack of automation and inability to precisely link sample spots to spatial positions within the cable, hindering efficient investigation of cable health and defect mapping.

Innovation Solution

The method involves peeling a part of the cable specimen to form a peeling sample, which is then spooled onto a receiving roll or collected on a collector roll before performing non-destructive testing on a specific spot of the peeling sample. This process allows for precise correlation of sample spots to cable positions and enhances automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual sampling methods (cutting, slicing, microtomy) are used to obtain cable insulation samples, then sample preparation is simple and equipment requirements are low, but the degree of automation is low and spatial resolution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of sample analysisVSAvoidcomplexity of sampling equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable insulation sample is divided into thin peeling layers (typically 10-100 micrometers thick) that can be sequentially analyzed. This segmentation enables automated roll-to-roll processing while maintaining spatial resolution, as each thin layer can be individually handled and measured without requiring complex bulk sample preparation equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical sampling methods (cutting, slicing, microtomy) are replaced by a roll-to-roll peeling system that uses controlled mechanical deformation to separate thin insulation layers. This substitution enables continuous automated processing while eliminating the need for complex manual sampling equipment and achieving consistent thin-section preparation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If sample spots are not precisely correlated to cable positions, then analysis process is simpler, but defect mapping and spatial resolution are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial correlation precisionVSAvoidtime for position mapping
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the position of each peeling layer is continuously tracked and recorded during the roll-to-roll process. This feedback enables precise correlation between sample spots and their original cable positions, allowing for accurate defect mapping without requiring time-consuming manual position recording

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Position markers or reference features are incorporated into the peeling sample during the peeling process itself, before analysis occurs. This preliminary action establishes the spatial reference framework in advance, enabling rapid and precise position correlation during subsequent automated analysis without adding time to the measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4563965A1Quality control method for a cabel specimen
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 NEXANS SA
  • EP4563965A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4563965A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4563965A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method of performing an automatized quality check of a cable specimen 10, which method comprises peeling of at least a part of the cable specimen 10 and receiving a peeling sample 14, spooling the peeling sample 14 onto a receiving roll, performing a measurement on a spot of the peeling sample 14, which spot is located ahead the receiving roll, wherein the measurement comprises a non-destructive testing. The present invention also relates to a method of performing an automatized quality check of a cable specimen, which method comprises a roll-to-roll spooling, wherein the measurement comprises a non-destructive testing. Further, the present invention relates to a digital twin of a cable specimen. Even further, the present invention relates to a use of the method.