Cable Sensor with Inductive Power and Threshold Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cables lack effective means to monitor their physical state variables such as radiation, temperature, tension, pressure, and moisture without requiring active operation of the information carrier unit, and existing solutions either provide one-time measurements or continuous monitoring but with energy supply issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensor within the cable that reacts irreversibly or reversibly to physical state variables, with energy supplied through inductive electromagnetic field coupling or alternating current flowing through the cable, allowing for measurement recording and storage of relevant data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an irreversibly reacting sensor is used, then the sensor can detect state variables without active operation, but only a single measurement can be recorded and subsequent changes cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both irreversibly reacting sensors (for passive detection) and reversibly reacting sensors (for continuous monitoring) within the same cable system. The irreversibly reacting sensor detects initial state variables without active operation, while the reversibly reacting sensor continues to detect subsequent changes when activated by the information carrier unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The information carrier unit acts as an intermediary that activates the reversibly reacting sensor. When the information carrier unit is activated by a reader, it provides energy to the reversibly reacting sensor, enabling continuous monitoring capabilities while maintaining the passive detection advantage of the irreversibly reacting sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reversibly reacting sensor is used, then continuous detection of state variable changes is possible, but the sensor only provides measured values when actively operated by the information carrier unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both irreversibly reacting sensors (for passive detection) and reversibly reacting sensors (for continuous monitoring) within the same cable system. The irreversibly reacting sensor detects initial state variables without active operation, while the reversibly reacting sensor continues to detect subsequent changes when activated by the information carrier unit.
3Productivity
If energy storage devices such as rechargeable batteries are used to operate the information carrier unit, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the information carrier unit becomes unsuitably large for cables
Solution Approach 1:
The information carrier unit harvests energy from the electromagnetic fields already present in the cable system during normal operation. The alternating current flowing through the cable generates electromagnetic fields that the information carrier unit can absorb and convert to electrical energy, eliminating the need for separate energy storage devices and keeping the unit compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field generated by the alternating current in the cable acts as an intermediary energy source. The information carrier unit absorbs this electromagnetic energy through its antenna, converting it to electrical energy for operating the sensor and information processing functions without requiring bulky batteries.
4Loss of information
If all measured values are stored in memory, then complete monitoring data is preserved, but the data volume becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of data storage by implementing threshold-based selective storage. Instead of storing all measured values, the system only stores values that exceed a predefined threshold or represent significant changes in cable condition. This reduces data volume while preserving the most critical information about cable health and potential damage.
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 continuous monitoring of cable conditions, detecting potential damage and storing relevant data for later retrieval, improving cable maintenance and longevity by reducing data volume through threshold-based storage.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor is an irreversibly reacting sensor to the state variable to be detected
Implementation Method 2
the sensor is a sensor that reacts reversibly to the state variable to be detected
Implementation Method 3
the information carrier unit can be activated by the reader. This means that, due to the inductive electromagnetic field coupling, the reader is able to transmit sufficient energy to the information carrier unit
Implementation Method 4
an alternating electromagnetic field is available independently of the reader, which provides sufficient energy for the operation of the information carrier unit, with the information carrier unit also absorbing this energy via a suitable antenna
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a cable comprising a cable inner body in which at least one conductor strand of an optical and/or electric conductor extends in the longitudinal direction of the cable, a cable cover surrounding the cable inner body and which lies between the outer surface of the cable and the cable inner body, and at least one information carrier unit that is arranged inside the outer surface of the cable. The aim of the invention is to improve said cable by providing information on the cable. This is achieved in such a manner that the at least one information carrier unit can be read by electromagnetic field coupling, that the at least one information carrier unit detects at least one measurement value of a sensor that is associated therewith and that said measurement value can be read by a reading device.