Overhead Cable Support With Internal Counterweight Tension Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Overhead cables in telecommunications and power transmission networks face premature wear and breakage due to inadequate mechanical tension management, which can be exacerbated by environmental factors like wind and temperature variations.

Innovation Solution

A support device with a counterweight mechanism inside a hollow pole dynamically adjusts cable tension, using pulleys to minimize wear and generate electrical energy from mechanical stress, reducing the risk of cable damage and breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If cable tension is increased to maintain safe distance from ground, then cable clearance is improved, but risk of cable breakage and tie failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clearance from groundVSAvoidcable and tie integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A counterweight system is installed inside the hollow pole to dynamically balance the cable tension. The counterweight automatically adjusts to compensate for tension variations caused by environmental factors, maintaining optimal clearance without excessive tension that could cause breakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic tension adjustment mechanism using a movable counterweight that can shift position within the pole based on real-time tension requirements. This allows the system to adapt to changing environmental conditions (wind, temperature) rather than relying on fixed initial tension settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If counterweights are placed outside poles for cable support, then cable tension management is improved, but pole structural stability deteriorates due to oscillation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable tension adjustmentVSAvoidpole structural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The counterweight mechanism is nested inside the hollow pole structure. This internal placement eliminates the oscillation problems associated with external counterweights while maintaining the pole's structural stability and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Length of stationary object

If initial cable tension is set during installation to account for environmental variations, then cable clearance is maintained, but cable wear increases due to excessive tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable clearanceVSAvoidcable lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary tension adjustment through the counterweight mechanism that is pre-configured to compensate for expected environmental variations. This prevents the need for excessive initial tension that would otherwise be required to maintain clearance under all conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The movable counterweight provides continuous feedback-based tension regulation, automatically adjusting its position to maintain optimal cable tension as environmental conditions change, thereby preventing both excessive tension and clearance issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system maintains constant mechanical tension, reduces wear and breakage, decreases maintenance frequency, and provides energy for sensors and lighting, enhancing safety and reducing infrastructure costs.

Implementation Method 1

a generator of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation of the mechanical tension of said first cable

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the generator of an electrical signal includes a piezoelectric material disposed in the hollow post; the displacement of said at least one counterweight in the hollow post applying a mechanical stress within said piezoelectric material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4672527A1Device for supporting an overhead cable, system of an overhead cable network configured to manage an electrical signal comprising such a support device, and corresponding management method
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 ORANGE SA
  • EP4672527A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4672527A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP4672527A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

The invention relates to a support device for a first overhead cable intended to be fixed to a hollow pole and comprising: - at least one first counterweight intended to be disposed inside said hollow pole; - at least one second cable for adjusting the mechanical tension of the first cable, the second cable being anchored, at its first end, to the first cable and being fixed, at its second end, to the first counterweight. The invention also relates to an overhead cable network system configured to manage an electrical signal comprising: - at least one support device according to the invention; - a generator of an electrical signal under the action of a displacement of said at least one first counterweight in the hollow pole caused by a variation in the mechanical tension of said first cable.