Infrared Cable-End Imaging for Foreign Matter Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable preassembly processes face challenges in ensuring clean electrical connections and preventing short-circuits due to foreign matter like shield remnants or distortions, which are not effectively detected by electrical checks alone.
Innovation Solution
A capturing device using infrared radiation and an image-capturing apparatus to optically inspect cable ends, distinguishing between dielectric and metal components, and employing a radiation source with a recording chamber and insertion openings for homogeneous illumination and clear imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical checks are used to detect foreign matter on cable ends, then the checking process is simple and fast, but foreign matter such as shield remnants or distortions cannot be effectively detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical detection methods with optical detection using infrared radiation and image-capturing apparatus. This substitution enables the detection of foreign matter such as shield remnants and distortions that electrical checks cannot detect, while maintaining integration into automated production sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electrical properties to optical properties (infrared radiation). By heating the radiation source to emit infrared radiation and using an image-capturing apparatus sensitive to this radiation, the system achieves reliable detection of foreign matter on cable ends
2Illumination intensity
If a radiation source is heated to emit infrared radiation for imaging, then high-contrast images are obtained, but the cable may be heated which could damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing infrared radiation only to the specific region of the cable end that needs inspection, rather than heating the entire cable. The radiation source is positioned and configured to illuminate only the relevant area, minimizing thermal damage while achieving sufficient contrast for detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed heating of the radiation source instead of continuous heating. This allows the radiation source to emit infrared radiation in controlled intervals, providing sufficient illumination for imaging while allowing cooling periods that prevent excessive cable heating
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 device ensures reliable detection of foreign matter on cable ends, preventing short-circuits by providing high-contrast images without heating the cable, suitable for integration into automated production sequences.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation source (101) has a wall (102) which encompasses a recording chamber (103), the radiation source being configured to emit at least infrared radiation when in a heated state
Data Source
AI summary
A capturing device for optically capturing an object to be checked includes a radiation source having a wall which encompasses a recording chamber. The radiation source is configured to emit at least infrared radiation when in a heated state. The wall has at least one insertion opening for inserting the object to be checked into the recording chamber and at least one image-recording opening for recording images of the object to be checked. The capturing device also includes an image-capturing apparatus configured to record images of the object to be checked through the at least one image-recording opening.