Investigation System Cable Management for Wide Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing investigation systems face challenges in navigating complex structures due to cable entanglement and limited movement range, especially when the distance inside the structure is long, as the cable can become entangled with obstacles or difficult to draw back.
Innovation Solution
An investigation system comprising an investigation apparatus and a support apparatus, where the support apparatus is equipped with traveling sections to manage the cable's letting-off and winding, allowing the investigation apparatus to move over a wide range by supporting cable management through series or parallel disposition of crawlers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the investigation apparatus is connected through a cable to perform remote operation, then the investigation apparatus can be controlled externally, but the cable is likely to come into contact with floor surface or be caught by obstacles, limiting the movement range
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent mobile units: the investigation apparatus and the support apparatus. Each unit has its own traveling sections (crawlers), allowing them to move independently. The cable connects these two separate units, enabling the investigation apparatus to operate remotely without being constrained by fixed cable routing through the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support apparatus acts as an intermediary between the external controller and the investigation apparatus. It receives control commands via cable from the external controller, processes them, and transmits control signals to the investigation apparatus. This intermediary role allows the investigation apparatus to move freely while the support apparatus manages the cable connection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the investigation apparatus enters deep inside the structure to reach the objective place, then the investigation coverage is improved, but the cable becomes long and difficult to draw back
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus autonomously manages the cable throughout the investigation process. As the investigation apparatus moves deep into the structure, the support apparatus automatically winds the cable onto its reel, preventing tangling and making retrieval easy. This self-service cable management eliminates the need for manual cable handling and allows the investigation apparatus to operate at maximum distance from the entrance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable length is increased to extend movement range, then the investigation apparatus can reach farther locations, but the cable is more likely to entangle with obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus serves as an active intermediary that manages cable deployment and retrieval. Rather than simply extending a passive cable, the support apparatus uses its traveling sections to follow the investigation apparatus and winds the cable onto a reel, keeping the cable organized and preventing entanglement with obstacles even over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static cable arrangement to a dynamic one where both the investigation apparatus and support apparatus can move independently. The support apparatus adjusts its position and cable winding in real-time based on the investigation apparatus's location, maintaining optimal cable tension and routing to prevent entanglement while maximizing movement range.
Data Source
AI summary
Since an investigation apparatus is connected through a cable and is remotely operated, the cable may be caught by an obstacle, thereby limiting a movement range of the investigation apparatus. An investigation system 15 includes an investigation apparatus 50 which moves to a position where an investigation target is investigated, by using a traveling section 51 and a support apparatus 30 which moves to a position where letting-off and winding of a cable 14 for an investigation apparatus which is connected to the investigation apparatus 50 are performed, by using a traveling section 31. The investigation apparatus 50 outputs an image of the investigation target which is captured by a camera section 53, to an investigation apparatus controller 40 via the cable 14 for an investigation apparatus.