Cable Tray Pathway Selection Using Weight and Fullness Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining optimal pathways for installing cables in infrastructure lack efficiency due to the inability to accurately assess weight and fullness thresholds of cable trays, leading to potential overload and inefficient routing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing processors and sensors to select pathways based on weight and fullness thresholds, where weight sensors provide data on cable tray loads and visual sensors assess fullness levels, enabling the identification of suitable cable trays and generation of visual indications for optimal cable installation routes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine cable pathways, then the process is simple, but the accuracy of weight and fullness threshold assessment is poor leading to potential overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the cable trays and the control system. Weight sensors mounted on cable tray supports continuously measure actual weight, while visual sensors (cameras) capture images to assess fullness levels. These sensors act as mediators that provide accurate real-time data about cable tray status, enabling precise threshold assessment without requiring complex manual inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional manual assessment methods with automated sensing systems. Instead of physically inspecting or estimating cable tray weight and fullness, the system uses weight sensors to electronically measure weight and visual sensors with image processing algorithms to assess fullness. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic sensing and computational analysis significantly improves measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation
2Reliability
If sensors are deployed to monitor cable trays, then weight and fullness can be accurately assessed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple sensors (weight sensors and visual sensors), processes this information, and generates pathway recommendations. This centralized control intermediary coordinates the complex sensor network, managing data flow and decision-making logic to maintain reliability while organizing system complexity in a manageable architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where weight sensors and visual sensors monitor cable tray status in real-time, and the control system uses this feedback to dynamically assess whether pathways are suitable for additional cable installation. The feedback mechanism ensures reliable monitoring by constantly comparing actual conditions against threshold criteria, enabling the system to adapt its recommendations based on current tray load and fullness levels
3Productivity
If manual inspection methods are used, then the system is simple to operate, but the productivity of cable installation planning is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically collecting data from sensors, processing images to determine fullness levels, calculating pathway suitability, and generating installation recommendations without requiring manual intervention. The control system independently executes the entire assessment workflow, from sensing to recommendation generation, significantly improving productivity while reducing the operational burden on users
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment actions by continuously monitoring cable tray weight and fullness levels before cable installation decisions are made. Weight sensors and visual sensors proactively gather data about tray status, and the control system pre-evaluates pathway suitability based on threshold criteria. This preliminary action enables rapid decision-making and improves installation planning efficiency by having all necessary information ready before installation activities begin
4Measurement precision
If weight sensors are installed on cable trays, then weight thresholds can be monitored, but the ease of installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mounting structures as intermediary components that facilitate the installation of weight sensors on cable trays. These mounting structures serve as intermediaries between the existing cable tray infrastructure and the new sensing devices, providing standardized attachment points and simplifying the integration process. By using intermediary mounting components, the system achieves precise weight measurement while managing installation complexity through modular, pre-designed mounting solutions
Data Source
AI summary
In certain embodiments, a selection of a first point and a second point within an infrastructure may be obtained via a user interface. A plurality of pathways, including a plurality of cable trays, between the first point and the second point may be determined. A first set of cable trays, having weights that do not exceed weight thresholds, may be identified. Images of the first set of cable trays may be obtained from a plurality of image sensors within the infrastructure. Fullness levels of the first set of cable trays may be determined based on the images. A second set of cable trays, having fullness levels that do not exceed fullness thresholds, may be identified from the first set of cable trays. One or more recommended pathways between the first point and the second point may be determined based on the identified second set of cable trays.