In-Rope Sensor for Cableway Steel Rope Vibration Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack sensors capable of continuously and accurately monitoring rotations and vibrations of steel ropes in cableway systems, which are crucial for ensuring safety but are not effectively addressed by existing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system integrated within the steel rope, comprising a battery, accelerometer, microprocessor, and Bluetooth interface, measures rotations around its own axis and vibrations along the system, using mathematical formulas to quantify these parameters and transmit data via Bluetooth LE to a smartphone app for processing and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor system is integrated within the steel rope to monitor rotations and vibrations, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple monitoring functions (rotation detection around X and Y axes, vibration measurement along Z axis) into a single integrated sensor system that is inserted within the steel rope structure. This merging approach enables comprehensive monitoring while maintaining a compact form factor that fits within the rope's internal space.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting rotations around two different axes (X and Y), measuring vibrations along the longitudinal axis (Z), and transmitting data via Bluetooth. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive monitoring of the steel rope's mechanical state.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of rotations and vibrations is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, with the microprocessor controlling the timing of rotation and vibration measurements. This periodic sampling approach maintains reliable monitoring capability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system includes a rechargeable battery that enables the device to operate autonomously without external power sources during installation. The system self-manages its power requirements through internal energy storage, allowing it to function independently within the steel rope structure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated within the rope to measure different parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into functionally independent modules: rotation sensors for X and Y axes, vibration sensors for Z axis measurements, a microprocessor for data processing, and a Bluetooth module for communication. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the integration process within the rope structure.
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
The sensor system provides continuous, precise monitoring of rotations and vibrations, enabling effective detection and quantification of rope performance issues, thereby enhancing safety and reliability of cableway systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least an accelerometer (AXL) (8), integrated in the sensor, for detecting unit
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor (1) for monitoring the parameters of rotation around its own axis and vibration of a steel rope (100), comprising a battery (2), indicator means (3) of the state of charge of said battery (2), at least a LED indicator (5), a power unit (7) which supplies the sensor (1), a detection unit (8) of the rotation angles (ϕ, γ) around its own axis (X) and of the vibrations of said steel rope (100), a microprocessor (9) for collection activity and data transmission, said sensor (1) being housed in a portion obtained in the core (110) of the steel rope (100).