Remote Power Cable Defect Detection via Traffic Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Damaged or imperfect power cables in radio sites can lead to performance issues due to increased resistance, voltage drop, and interference, making it challenging to detect defects effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for detecting defects in connecting members of radio units by applying artificial radio traffic load to ensure equal power distribution, measuring power supplied to each unit, and determining power loss to identify defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If power cables are inspected manually at radio sites, then defect detection is possible, but site operations are disrupted and maintenance efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated electronic monitoring systems. Power loss detectors and traffic load generators automatically measure power consumption and analyze traffic patterns to detect cable defects, eliminating the need for manual site visits and physical inspections while improving both detection accuracy and maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary devices such as power loss detectors and traffic load generators that are inserted into the power and signal paths. These intermediaries continuously monitor cable performance parameters and transmit defect information remotely, enabling defect detection without disrupting radio site operations or requiring manual intervention.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection methods are used, then no specialized equipment is needed, but defect detection precision is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual inspection methods with automated electronic monitoring systems. Power loss detectors and traffic load generators automatically measure power consumption and analyze traffic patterns to detect cable defects, eliminating the need for manual site visits and physical inspections while improving both detection accuracy and maintenance efficiency.
3Productivity
If automated monitoring systems are deployed, then maintenance efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs monitoring devices that perform multiple functions: power loss detectors simultaneously measure power consumption, detect cable defects, and generate alarm signals; traffic load generators both simulate traffic conditions and analyze power patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate devices needed and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high maintenance efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where monitoring devices continuously measure power consumption and traffic patterns, compare results against threshold values, and automatically generate alarm signals when defects are detected. This closed-loop feedback system enables automated defect detection and notification without requiring complex manual intervention protocols.
4Duration of action of moving object
If power cables operate under varying traffic loads, then normal operations are maintained, but defect detection accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic traffic load generation patterns where standardized test traffic is injected at regular intervals to provoke specific power consumption responses. By creating periodic, predictable traffic patterns, the system can distinguish between normal power variations and abnormal power loss indicating cable defects, maintaining continuous operation while improving detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes traffic load parameters systematically to optimize defect detection. By varying traffic intensity, pattern, and duration in controlled ways, the system provokes measurable power consumption changes that reveal cable defects. This parameter manipulation enables accurate defect detection while maintaining normal radio operations between test cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of detecting a defect in a connecting member of a radio unit in a radio site includes applying an artificial radio traffic load to a first radio unit and at least a second radio unit, such that the radio traffic load experienced by the first and the second radio unit is at a same level, measuring power supplied to the first radio unit via a first connecting member and power supplied to the second radio unit via a second connecting member at an end of each connecting member terminating at a device configured to supply power to the radio units, and determining from the measured power and an expected nominal power loss of the first and the second connecting member if there is power loss in at least one of the first and the second connecting member indicating a defect.