Connected Cable Reel with Echometer and GSM Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for preventing electrical cable theft, such as GPS tracking, only monitor the movement of complete reels and do not protect against unauthorized cutting or unwinding of cable lengths, leaving gaps in security.

Innovation Solution

A connected electricity transmission cable reel system incorporating an electronic card with echometer, accelerometer, and GSM connectivity, integrated into a tamper-proof housing within a reel support, which monitors cable length, detects unauthorized cutting, and alerts authorities, while allowing authorized use and stock management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If GPS tracking devices are installed on reels to monitor movement, then complete reel theft can be detected, but unauthorized cable cutting and unwinding cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetheft detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent detection components: GPS tracking for reel movement, echometer for cable length monitoring, accelerometer for displacement detection, and resistance measurement for cable integrity. Each component independently monitors a specific aspect, collectively providing comprehensive protection against both complete reel theft and unauthorized cable cutting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic card serves multiple functions: it processes GPS data for location tracking, controls the echometer for cable length measurement, monitors accelerometer data for movement detection, and measures electrical resistance for cable integrity. This multi-functional design enables a single device to detect all types of theft scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple monitoring devices (echometer, accelerometer, resistance measurement) are integrated into the reel system, then comprehensive monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple monitoring functions (GPS reception, echometer control, accelerometer data processing, resistance measurement, GSM communication) are merged into a single electronic card. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components, simplifies wiring and installation, and lowers overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic card is housed within a tamper-proof housing that is integrated into the reel support structure. The housing itself is nested within the larger reel assembly, creating a compact, hierarchical structure that protects sensitive electronics while maintaining access to cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If tamper-proof housing is used to protect the electronic card, then security against unauthorized access is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against tamperingVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic card and its tamper-proof housing are pre-assembled as a complete monitoring unit before installation on the reel. This preliminary assembly simplifies the final installation process, as the entire monitoring system can be installed as a single module, reducing on-site assembly complexity and ensuring proper sealing and protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Effectively prevents theft by detecting unauthorized cable cutting and movement, enabling real-time monitoring and stock management, ensuring secure and efficient tracking of cable lengths and reels.

Implementation Method 1

the electronic card comprises an echometer ensuring the detection of the length of cable wound on the reel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 2

the electronic card comprises an accelerometer ensuring the detection of the movement of the reel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAccelerometer: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

An electric transport cable (3) stored and wound on this reel (1) is associated with an electrical connection arrangement of at least one stripped conductor of the free end of the cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3287402B1Connected electricity transport cable reel
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 NEXANS SA
  • EP3287402B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3287402B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3287402B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a cable reel for power transmission. According to the invention, it is associated with a remote monitoring device for the length of cable (3) wound on the reel (1). Preferably, it is associated with an electrical connection device for at least one conductor stripped from the free end (3A) of the cable, this electrical connection device being connected to a battery-powered electronic board linked to a remote application.