Conductor Centricity Measurement Using Offset Optical Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the centricity of a conductor within an insulating sheath are prone to measurement errors due to conductor curvature, particularly when the curvature is not aligned with the measurement planes, leading to inaccuracies in determining the conductor's position and hence its centricity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using inductive and optical measuring devices positioned in specific planes relative to each other to account for the curvature of the conductor, with spatially resolved optical measurements in multiple planes to correct for the conductor's inclined position and curvature, allowing for accurate determination of centricity by relating positions across these planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inductive and optical measuring devices are arranged in the same measuring plane, then the centricity measurement can be performed, but the measuring devices get in each other's way and measurement errors occur due to conductor curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement (all devices in one measuring plane) to a three-dimensional arrangement by introducing a second optical measuring plane offset in the conveying direction. This spatial separation allows inductive and optical measuring devices to operate without interfering with each other while maintaining measurement accuracy despite conductor curvature.
2Ease of operation
If the strand is bent due to conductor sagging, then the strand forms a curvature, but the position determined by inductive measurements does not match the actual position in the optical measuring plane
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the second optical measuring plane to detect conductor curvature and inclination. This curvature information is then used to correct the position data from the first optical measuring plane, compensating for the effects of strand bending and ensuring accurate centricity measurements even when the conductor sags.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the conductor position in the first optical measuring plane before the conductor reaches the inductive measuring plane. By measuring at this earlier position and then correcting for curvature, the system anticipates and compensates for position deviations that would otherwise occur during conveyance.
3Reliability
If a larger number of support rollers is used to compensate for strand curvature, then the curvature is reduced, but the strand takes on a wavy course leading to undefined measurement situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple support rollers to physically constrain the strand with an optical-mathematical approach. Optical devices measure the strand's actual curvature, and computational algorithms correct the measurements, eliminating the need for additional mechanical support structures that would create wavy courses.
4Measurement precision
If the maximum curvature of the strand is in the area of the optical measuring plane, then inductive devices measure layers that do not correspond to the conductor position, but increasing tensile force to eliminate curvature causes the conductor to reach the yield point
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the offset second optical measuring plane in the conveying direction, the system creates a three-dimensional measurement geometry that allows curvature detection without requiring the conductor to be straightened by excessive tensile force. The spatial offset enables mathematical correction of position data while maintaining conductor integrity.
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
This approach ensures reliable measurement of the conductor's centricity even when the strand is bent, compensating for measurement errors caused by curvature and providing a clear, defined measurement situation.
Implementation Method 1
The position of the conductor is determined in an inductive measuring plane using an inductive measuring device
Implementation Method 2
in a first optical measuring plane, which is in the conveying direction of the strand in front of the inductive measuring plane, the position of the strand is determined using at least one first optical measuring device
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for measuring the centricity of a conductor in an insulating covering, wherein the strand formed by the conductor and its insulating covering is moved along a conveying direction, comprising the steps of: - determining the position of the conductor in an inductive measuring plane using an inductive measuring device, - determining the position of the strand in a first optical measuring plane located in front of the inductive measuring plane in the conveying direction of the strand using at least one first optical measuring device, - determining the position of the strand in a second optical measuring plane located behind the inductive measuring plane in the conveying direction of the strand using at least one second optical measuring device, - relating the positions of the strand determined in the first and second optical measuring planes to each other in such a way as to obtain a position of the strand in the inductive measuring plane.and – from this resulting position of the strand in the inductive measuring plane and from the position of the conductor determined in the inductive measuring plane, the centricity of the conductor in the insulating covering is determined, – wherein a spatially resolved optical measurement is carried out in the first optical measuring plane and/or in the second optical measuring plane such that an inclination and/or a curvature of the strand relative to the conveying direction, in particular in the first optical measuring plane and/or in the second optical measuring plane, is detected, wherein such an inclination and/or curvature is taken into account when determining the centricity of the conductor in the insulating covering. The invention also relates to a corresponding device.