Power Cable Wear Detection Using Distance Differential Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting wear in power cables, such as those used in electric railways, are ineffective when the width of the wearing part remains constant, as they rely on measuring the width of the worn area to determine wear levels.
Innovation Solution
A wear degree information acquiring device that measures the distance from a predetermined position on a vehicle to both the wearing and non-wearing parts of power cables, using laser sensors to calculate the wear degree based on the difference between these distances, allowing for detection even when the wearing part's width remains constant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the width of the wearing part is used to detect wear, then the detection method is simple, but it becomes ineffective when the width remains constant despite wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from width (horizontal dimension) to distance from predetermined position (vertical dimension). This parameter change allows detection of wear even when the wearing part width remains constant, as wear manifests as a change in the distance between the wearing and non-wearing parts.
2Device complexity
If visual inspection is used to detect wear, then no additional equipment is needed, but it requires manual intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated measurement system using distance sensors. The sensors automatically measure distances to the power cable at different positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while improving detection speed and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service wear detection by automatically measuring and calculating wear degree without requiring manual inspection. The predetermined positions and automatic distance measurements allow the system to monitor wear continuously and independently.
3Ease of manufacture
If the width of the wearing part is measured, then the measurement process is straightforward, but it fails to detect wear when the width remains substantially constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from measuring in one dimension (width of wearing part) to measuring in another dimension (distance from predetermined position vertically). This dimensional change enables detection of wear that does not manifest as width change, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining process simplicity.
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
Enables accurate detection of power cable wear, reducing the need for visual inspections and improving maintenance efficiency by providing timely and precise wear data, even when the wearing part's width does not change.
Implementation Method 1
A wear degree information acquiring device includes a power cable measuring unit which measures a distance from a predetermined position in a vehicle to a wearing part coming into contact with the vehicle in power cables
Data Source
AI summary
A wear degree information acquiring device includes a power cable measuring unit which measures a distance from a predetermined position of a vehicle to a wearing part coming into contact with the vehicle among power cables configured to supply power to the vehicle, and a distance from the predetermined position of the vehicle to a non-wearing part not coming into contact with the vehicle among the power cables; and a wear degree information acquiring unit which acquires information indicating a degree of wear of the power cable, on the basis of a difference between the distance from the predetermined position of the vehicle to the wearing part and the distance from the predetermined position of the vehicle to the non-wearing part.