Inductive Coupler for RF Signals on Composite Power Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
In underground mining environments, wireless communication is impractical due to earth attenuation and conductive coal seams, and existing communication systems are often damaged in accidents, necessitating a method to utilize existing rugged power distribution cables for communication without additional cabling.
Innovation Solution
The use of inductive couplers to couple RF signals onto and off of composite power cables, which are inherently durable and resistant to damage, allowing communication over existing power distribution cables by inducing and sensing signals through inductive coupling and earth return paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication is used in underground mining environments, then communication flexibility is improved, but signal attenuation and interference from earth and conductive coal seams worsen communication reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the existing power distribution cable as an intermediary medium to transmit communication signals. Instead of using wireless waves that are attenuated by the earth and coal seams, the system couples RF signals onto the power cable conductors, which serve as a guided transmission path that is not affected by ground attenuation or conductive interference from coal seams.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution cable is made multi-functional by using it for both power transmission and communication signals. The same cable infrastructure that delivers electrical power to mining equipment also serves as the transmission medium for RF communication signals, eliminating the need for separate communication cabling and avoiding the limitations of wireless communication in the mine environment.
2Reliability
If additional communication cabling is installed in the mine, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and safety risks worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for separate communication cabling by making the existing power distribution cable serve dual purposes. The power cable's conductors are used to carry both power and communication signals, thereby avoiding the complexity and safety risks of installing additional cabling infrastructure in the mine.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power cable infrastructure is made to serve its own additional function of carrying communication signals. By utilizing the already-installed power cable conductors and grounding system, the communication system avoids the need for separate cabling installations, reducing both complexity and safety hazards.
3Device complexity
If existing power cables are used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but signal coupling and interference from power transmission worsen communication quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using different conductors or phases of the power cable for different purposes. The system couples RF communication signals onto specific conductors or combinations of conductors, while utilizing the grounding system and other conductors for power transmission, thereby localizing the functions to different parts of the cable structure and reducing mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding system and cable insulation act as intermediaries that isolate the communication signals from the power transmission interference. By coupling RF signals onto the power cable through inductive or capacitive coupling mechanisms, the system uses the cable's existing insulation and grounding as protective barriers that prevent power transmission interference from corrupting the communication signals.
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 reliable communication in both normal and emergency mining operations without the need for additional cabling, using existing power cables as a communication channel, ensuring continuous connectivity even in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The use of inductive couplers to couple RF signals onto and off of composite power cables, which are inherently durable and resistant to damage, allowing communication over existing power distribution cables by inducing and sensing signals through inductive coupling and earth return paths.
Implementation Method 2
The use of inductive couplers to couple RF signals onto and off of composite power cables, which are inherently durable and resistant to damage, allowing communication over existing power distribution cables by inducing and sensing signals through inductive coupling and earth return paths.
Implementation Method 3
The use of inductive couplers to couple RF signals onto and off of composite power cables, which are inherently durable and resistant to damage, allowing communication over existing power distribution cables by inducing and sensing signals through inductive coupling and earth return paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of communication over a composite cable having a plurality of conductors, the method including placing an inductive coupler around the composite cable, coupling the composite cable to a signal input or output using the inductive coupler around the composite cable to communicate a signal to or from the composite cable, wherein the signal is communicated across the composite cable from a first location to a second location, wherein the inductive coupler is at one of the first location and the second location.