Multi-Core Cable Characterization System Using Wireless Data Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-core cables face challenges in ensuring reliable data and signal transmission due to varying electrical properties of their components, which can deteriorate over time and under environmental or mechanical stress.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system comprising at least two data capture units and a central processing unit, designed to capture electrical measurement variables at the end-side terminals of a multi-core cable, and utilize wireless communication modules for data transfer, allowing for characterization of the cable's electrical properties during manufacturing or operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional measurement methods are used for multi-core cables, then the cable can be characterized, but the process is complex and time-consuming requiring multiple manual steps and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (electrical property measurement, communication testing, data capture) into an integrated measurement system with a single handheld device. The system merges a signal generator, oscilloscope, communication module, and processing unit into one unified device that automatically characterizes multi-core cables without requiring separate manual measurement steps, thereby increasing productivity while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple measurement tasks simultaneously - measuring electrical properties (resistance, capacitance, inductance), testing communication signals, capturing data, and evaluating cable characteristics. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices and manual measurement procedures, directly improving measurement speed and efficiency
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive electrical property measurement is performed, then cable quality is fully characterized, but the measurement process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs multiple electrical property measurements continuously and automatically without interruption. The integrated design allows the system to sequentially measure resistance, capacitance, inductance, and communication properties in a continuous automated manner, eliminating idle time between measurements and reducing total measurement time while maintaining comprehensive characterization
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated measurements and preliminary actions during the characterization process. The measurement system automatically captures baseline electrical properties and communication characteristics before final evaluation, allowing for rapid assessment of cable quality without requiring time-consuming manual testing procedures
3Reliability
If manual measurement procedures are used, then flexibility is maintained, but measurement reliability and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system performs self-service through automated execution of measurement procedures without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step. The integrated device automatically configures test parameters, executes measurements, captures data, and evaluates cable characteristics, thereby improving reliability and consistency while maintaining ease of operation through a user-friendly interface
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically evaluate measured electrical properties and communication characteristics against predefined cable specifications. The system provides real-time feedback on measurement results, automatically identifies deviations, and generates compliance assessments, thereby enhancing measurement reliability while simplifying the operation process through automated decision-making
Data Source
AI summary
A measurement system having at least two data capture units and a central processing unit, for characterizing a multi-core cable. The two data capture units are each provided for being contact-connected to the cable at an end-side terminal and each capture an electrical measurement variable at there, at least in an active state of the cable (2). The data capture units each have a communication module for establishing a wireless peripheral connection between the data capture units to transfer the respectively captured measurement variable from one of the data capture units to the respective other data capture unit. The communication module of at least one of the data capture units and a communication module of the central processing unit establish a single wireless central connection therebetween in order to transfer at least one of the captured measurement variables to the central processing unit.