Electric Cable Stringing Airflow Control for Stuck Duct Runs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing underground cable stringing equipment relies on internal combustion engines and air compressors that only provide a single flow rate, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs when dealing with stuck cables, as additional equipment and time are required to resolve issues.
Innovation Solution
An air moving system with an energy bank, electric air moving device, and controller that can adjust air flow rates to control cable speed, allowing for more efficient and flexible cable installation by varying pressure and flow rates, and incorporating multiple energy sources for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single flow rate air compressor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different cable installation conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static single-flow-rate air compressor to a dynamic system with variable flow rates. The electric air moving device can adjust its output to provide different air flow rates based on real-time cable installation conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying resistance, duct configurations, and cable types without requiring multiple fixed-compression compressors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the air flow rate parameter delivered by the air moving device. The controller adjusts the air flow rate parameter dynamically based on cable speed feedback and installation conditions, allowing the same equipment to handle diverse scenarios from low-resistance to high-resistance ducts without changing physical hardware.
2Device complexity
If internal combustion engines are used to power air compressors, then the power source is simple, but the environmental compatibility and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine-mechanical transmission system with an electric power system. Electric motors directly drive the air moving device and cable pulling mechanisms, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, reducing maintenance requirements, and enabling operation in environments where combustion engines are prohibited or impractical.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric power system provides universality by enabling the stringing apparatus to operate in diverse environments including underground facilities, tunnels, and areas with air quality restrictions where internal combustion engines cannot function. The electric system can be powered from various sources (grid, generators, batteries) making the equipment universally applicable across different operational contexts.
3Reliability
If additional equipment is deployed to handle stuck cables, then the reliability of cable installation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to monitor cable speed and position during installation. When the cable encounters resistance or stops moving, the controller receives feedback signals and automatically responds by adjusting air flow rates or activating auxiliary pulling mechanisms, eliminating the need for manual intervention or additional standby equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary action by proactively monitoring cable installation progress and detecting potential sticking conditions before they become critical. The controller anticipates problems by analyzing cable speed variations and preemptively adjusts air pressure or activates backup pulling mechanisms, preventing complete cable jams and avoiding the need for retrieval equipment.
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 more efficient and cost-effective underground cable installation by allowing precise control of air flow, reducing the need for additional equipment and time when dealing with obstructions, and providing a more reliable power source independent of internal combustion engines.
Implementation Method 1
an electric air moving device in electrical communication with the energy bank and configured to output a supply of air to cause a cable to move along a duct
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an air moving system for a stringing apparatus. The air moving system can comprise an energy bank, an electric air moving device in electrical communication with the energy bank and configured to output a supply of air to cause a cable to move along a duct and at least one controller. The at least one controller can be configured to determine a speed of the cable moving along the duct and control the output of the supply of air of the electric air moving device to control the speed of the cable based at least in part on the determined speed of the cable.