Cable Propagation Velocity Measurement Using Artificial Singularity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the propagation velocity and length of electrical cables are inaccurate and do not account for aging or changes over time, and are often cumbersome and costly, limiting their applicability, especially in mobile installations.
Innovation Solution
A non-intrusive method involving the creation of an artificial singularity on the cable, injection of a test signal, acquisition of reflected signals to produce reflectograms, and measurement of temporal positions to determine propagation velocity, with optional shifting of the singularity and subtraction of reflectograms to improve accuracy, using devices like waveform generators or oscilloscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mathematical models and estimation of primary parameters are used to determine propagation velocity, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy is insufficient and does not account for cable aging and temporal variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by intentionally creating an artificial singularity (using a metal ring or ferromagnetic loop) at a known position on the cable before measurement. This pre-established reference point allows for accurate propagation velocity measurement without requiring complex equipment, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a dedicated artificial singularity (metal ring or ferromagnetic loop) as a mediator between the signal source and the cable. This intermediary creates a controlled reflection point that enables precise measurement of propagation velocity while keeping the measurement system simple and portable.
2Measurement precision
If reflectometry methods with specialized instruments are used, then propagation velocity can be measured, but the instruments are costly, bulky, and cannot be carried around
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex, bulky reflectometry instruments by using a simplified approach with a portable signal generator, oscilloscope, and a simple metal ring or ferromagnetic loop as the singularity creator. This extraction enables propagation velocity measurement while maintaining portability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple objects (metal rings or ferromagnetic loops) as the singularity creators instead of expensive specialized instruments. These simple, disposable-like elements enable the same measurement function while dramatically improving portability and reducing cost, making the system suitable for mobile applications.
3Measurement precision
If existing measurement methods are used, then propagation velocity can be determined, but the measurements cannot be updated over the life of the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling repeated measurements at different times and positions along the cable. The artificial singularity can be repositioned or the measurement can be repeated to track propagation velocity changes over time, allowing the system to adapt to cable aging and environmental variations while maintaining measurement capability throughout the cable's operational life.
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, non-intrusive measurement of propagation velocity and length, allowing for monitoring of cable aging and changes over time, with a compact device suitable for mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
the acquisition of said signal reflected on the singularities that said cable includes so as to produce a first reflectogram
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically measuring physical characteristics of a cable, comprises at least the following steps: positioning on said cable of means for creating an artificial singularity; the injection, at a point of said cable, of an electrical test signal; acquisition of said signal reflected on the singularities that said cable includes so as to produce a first reflectogram; measurement, on said reflectogram, of the temporal position Δt of the peak of the signal derived from its reflection on said artificial singularity; determination of the propagation velocity vp=2x/Δt of the signal in said cable from the temporal position Δt and from the position x of said means for creating an artificial singularity on the cable.