Intelligent Fiber Rope Termination for In-Service Integrity Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-strength cables, particularly those made of synthetic fibers, face challenges in monitoring their condition and structural integrity during operation, especially in critical applications like offshore lifting and mooring, where weight reduction is essential but accuracy and real-time data transmission are hindered by the complexity of synthetic fibers and the difficulty in integrating sensors and communication systems.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent cable module with an integral instrument package that includes load-monitoring, recording, and display features, allowing real-time monitoring of tensile fiber strength members, capable of being placed at any desired position along the cable, which incorporates sensors and communication devices to track strain, pressure, and other parameters, and can transmit data through fiber optics or electrical conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If synthetic fiber cables are used to reduce weight, then weight reduction is achieved, but monitoring capability and structural integrity detection are worsened due to the complexity of synthetic fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intelligent cable module as an intermediary device that contains sensors, processors, and communication systems. This module mediates between the synthetic fiber cable and the monitoring system, enabling detection of cable conditions without requiring direct sensing capabilities in the cable material itself. The module serves as a bridge that translates physical cable states into measurable signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing methods with electronic and optical sensing systems. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators of cable stress or damage, the invention uses sensors that detect electrical, optical, or other physical quantities that correlate with cable condition, enabling more sophisticated monitoring of synthetic fiber cables.
2Reliability
If sensors and communication systems are integrated into the cable to enable real-time monitoring, then monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into discrete modular units called intelligent cable modules that can be positioned at specific intervals along the cable. Each module is a self-contained unit with its own sensors, processing capability, and communication interface. This segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive monitoring coverage while keeping individual module complexity manageable and enabling modular replacement or upgrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent cable module is designed as a multi-functional device that performs sensing, data processing, communication, and potentially actuation functions within a single integrated unit. This universality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, thereby managing complexity while providing comprehensive monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple intelligent cable modules are deployed along the cable, then monitoring coverage and data accuracy are improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each intelligent cable module continuously monitors cable conditions and communicates data to a central or distributed control system. The system processes this feedback information to assess cable health, detect anomalies, and trigger appropriate responses. This feedback loop enables accurate condition assessment while allowing the system to adapt its monitoring intensity based on detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows for flexible deployment of intelligent cable modules where full monitoring coverage with modules at every possible location is not required. Instead, modules can be strategically positioned at critical locations or at intervals that provide sufficient monitoring accuracy for the specific application. This partial action approach reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining adequate measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated intelligent cable module for use in a tensile fiber strength member. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. The module preferably includes load-monitoring, recording features, and display features. These features act as a “black box” for the tensile fiber strength member, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity. These features allow an operator to easily monitor the condition of a tensile fiber strength member—preferably while the tensile fiber strength member remains in service.