Inflatable Sheath Cable for Automatic Ice Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cables installed outdoors in cold environments are prone to failure due to the formation of ice and frost, which adds weight and can lead to rupture, requiring manual removal that is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cable design featuring an inflatable sheath that can be inflated to break off ice and frost layers, using compressed air to increase volume without altering the overall cable size, combined with a structural support rope and sensors for automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual removal of ice and frost layers is performed, then cable safety is improved, but time consumption and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable incorporates an inflatable sheath that can be automatically inflated to remove ice and frost layers without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect ice accumulation and automatically triggers the inflation process, allowing the cable to protect itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one by incorporating an inflatable sheath that can change volume. When ice detection is triggered, the sheath inflates to break and remove the ice layers, then deflates back to its original state, enabling repeated protective cycles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inflatable sheath is inflated to break ice layers, then ice removal effectiveness is improved, but cable volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable sheath operates in periodic cycles: remaining in a compact non-inflated state during normal operation, then inflating when ice detection triggers the protective function, and finally deflating back to compact form. This periodic inflation-deflation cycle allows effective ice removal while minimizing overall volume increase.
3Reliability
If an inflatable sheath is added to the cable, then ice protection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable sheath serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier against ice accumulation, provides structural support to the cable, and functions as the active element for ice removal through inflation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the protective function, the actuation mechanism, and the structural element into a single integrated inflatable sheath component. The sheath merges the roles of protection, sensing response, and mechanical ice removal into one unified 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 solution effectively reduces the risk of cable failure by automatically removing ice and frost layers with minimal human intervention, ensuring continuous functionality and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
The inflatable sheath can be inflated by pumping air or gas into the space formed between the outer sheath and the inflatable sheath
Implementation Method 2
The small pieces of ice and frost fall off the cable due to gravitation and wind
Implementation Method 3
the inflatable sheath is made from an elastic polymeric material, preferably a thermoplastic polyurethane material
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 4
AI summary
A cable (10) comprising: - at least one conductor (1A, 1B, 1C,...); - at least one conductor insulation layer (2A, 2B, 2C,...) formed around and enclosing said at least one conductor (1A, 1B, 1C,...); - an outer sheath (4) enclosing said conductor insulation layer (2A, 2B, 2C,...) and said at least one conductor (1A, 1B, 1C,...). According to the invention, the cable (10) further comprises an inflatable sheath (3) that encloses said outer sheath (4).