Load-Measuring Pin for Cable Malfunction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-cable drum-type conveying installations face challenges in reliably detecting malfunctions, such as hanging cables, regardless of the conveying means' position in the shaft and cable load, which can lead to accidents if not addressed promptly.
Innovation Solution
A cable-monitoring device with a load-measuring pin integrated into the intermediate harness, transmitting signals to an evaluation device that detects signal jumps to identify malfunctions, ensuring continuous monitoring and secure operation by switching off the winch drive and activating brakes when malfunctions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reel coupled to a switch is positioned on the obliquely running cable section to detect hanging cable formation, then the monitoring device can detect cable sagging, but it does not react until the conveying means has already become obliquely positioned and fails to respond when the conveying means is in the lower shaft region due to large cable weight
Solution Approach 1:
A load-measuring pin is introduced as an intermediary device between the conveying means and the conveying cable. This pin directly measures the tensile load on the cable, serving as a mediator that translates mechanical load into measurable signals. The load-measuring pin provides immediate detection of load changes regardless of the conveying means position or cable weight, resolving the delayed and position-dependent response of previous monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical reel-based monitoring system with a direct load measurement approach using a load-measuring pin equipped with strain gauges. Instead of mechanically detecting cable sag through a reel and switch mechanism, the system uses electrical strain measurement to directly quantify the tensile load, eliminating the mechanical complexity and response delays of the previous system.
2Reliability
If a contact strip is attached to the underside of the conveying means to detect setting down of the basket, then the monitoring can detect when the basket sets down, but it does not respond if the conveying means becomes stuck on the side walls
Solution Approach 1:
The load-measuring pin serves multiple functions: it detects when the conveying means sets down (reducing load), when it becomes stuck on side walls (increasing load), and continuously monitors cable tension throughout the shaft. This single device provides universal monitoring coverage for all malfunction types, replacing the need for position-specific detection methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-measuring pin continuously provides feedback on the tensile load in the conveying cable through strain gauge measurements. This continuous feedback mechanism allows the control system to immediately detect any deviation from normal operation, whether the conveying means sets down, gets stuck on side walls, or experiences cable issues, enabling real-time response to all malfunction conditions.
3Reliability
If load measurement on the winch drive is used to monitor hanging cable formation, then the monitoring can detect cable load changes, but it requires taking into account the bent length of the hanging cable and the weight of the cable which complicates the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the load measurement function from the winch drive system and places it directly at the point of interest - the conveying cable itself via the load-measuring pin. By measuring the load directly where it acts on the cable, rather than inferring it from winch drive parameters, the system eliminates the need to calculate and account for cable weight and bent length, significantly simplifying the measurement and evaluation process.
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 enables immediate and reliable detection of malfunctions, preventing accidents by ensuring the winch drive is switched off and brakes activated in case of overloads or hanging cables, allowing safe re-starting in appropriate directions, thus enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges (20) for receiving load-dependent measurement signals are arranged in recesses (12b) which are adjoined laterally to a central section (12a) of the pin
Data Source
AI summary
A single-cable drum-type conveying installation with a cable drum driven by a winch drive, includes a cable-monitoring device, a conveying device, which hangs freely on a conveying cable, and an intermediate harness connecting the conveying cable to the conveying device. The cable-monitoring device includes a load-measuring pin, as a constituent part of the intermediate harness, and also a transmission path along which a measuring signal received from the load-measuring pin is transmitted to an evaluation device. The evaluation device is designed for evaluating the measuring signal such that, in the case of the measuring signal jumping by an extent which exceeds a certain amount, a malfunction is detected.