3D Scanning for High Voltage Cable Accessory Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning and quality control of high voltage cable accessories suffer from human error, lack of accurate tracking, and inefficient quality control, leading to potential electrical breakdowns and suboptimal performance due to improper placement and material deformations.
Innovation Solution
A 3-dimensional scanning system and processor are used to determine the geometry of high voltage cable accessories, identify points of interest, calculate positioning points, and ensure accurate placement, with data storage for future reference and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement procedures are used for positioning accessory components, then the installation process is simple and low-cost, but human errors occur and positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement procedures with an automated optical scanning system. A 3D scanner captures precise geometric data of the cable and accessory components, eliminating human error in measurement while providing millimeter-level positioning precision. The system automatically processes scanned data to determine optimal positioning points for accessory components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital 3D model (copy) of the physical cable and accessory components through scanning. This digital replica allows for precise virtual measurement, analysis, and positioning calculation without physically touching or disturbing the actual components, thereby maintaining measurement precision while simplifying the overall process.
2Reliability
If no tracking system is implemented for accessory components, then the system remains simple, but the ability to control and monitor positioning after several years is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs 3D scanning and positioning calculation in advance during the installation phase. The system determines and records the optimal positioning points for accessory components before they are permanently installed. This preliminary action creates a digital reference that can be used later to verify and maintain positioning accuracy over the cable's operational lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the 3D scanning system captures the actual installed position of accessory components and compares it against the predetermined optimal positioning points. This feedback loop enables long-term monitoring and verification of positioning accuracy, allowing for corrective actions if deviations occur due to thermal expansion, mechanical stress, or other environmental factors.
3Measurement precision
If traditional quality control methods are used for accessory components, then the process is cost-effective and simple, but surface defects and irregularities cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual visual inspection and contact-based measurement methods with non-contact optical scanning technology. The 3D scanner uses light to capture high-resolution surface geometry data, enabling detection of surface defects, irregularities, and dimensional deviations with micrometer-level precision without physically touching the accessory components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous surface scanning during the accessory component installation process. Rather than performing discrete spot checks, the system continuously captures surface geometry data as the accessory is being positioned and installed, enabling real-time quality control and immediate detection of any surface defects or positioning errors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for performing quality checks and positioning of a high voltage accessory component on a high voltage cable during installations and reusing the data from the positioning at a later stage during the lifetime of the cable is described. A 3-dimensional scanner is employed to scan the surface of the high voltage cable and the accessory component to be placed on the cable. The data from the scanner is converted into 3D coordinates and employed by a processor to check for deviations in the quality of the accessory components. The processor then computes and determines the positioning of the accessory component on the high voltage cable. A method for performing quality checks for the subcomponents of the accessory components before positioning of the accessory component during installations is also described.