RFID Cable Connection Guiding via Terminal Block Cover

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cable connection methods in nuclear power stations rely heavily on paper-based design drawings and visual inspection, leading to labor-intensive and error-prone processes, especially when dealing with a large number of cables and terminal blocks.

Innovation Solution

A cable connection guiding method utilizing RFID tags to identify conductors and compare the information with a conductor-terminal connection database, which then indicates the correct terminal using an LED-based indication device, eliminating the need for visual inspection and paper-based materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If paper-based design drawings and cable cards are used for cable connection guidance, then cable connection information can be obtained, but work time increases and labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable connection accuracyVSAvoidwork time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of visual inspection and paper-based information retrieval with an automated optical/electronic system. RFID tags store cable connection information electronically, and readers automatically retrieve and display this information, eliminating the need for workers to manually search through paper drawings and cable cards. This substitution dramatically reduces work time while maintaining connection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates electronic copies of cable connection information stored in RFID tags, which can be quickly accessed and displayed without handling physical paper documents. The terminal block covers display devices show digital representations of connection data, allowing workers to obtain information instantly without the time-consuming process of searching through paper-based materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If visual inspection using paper-based materials is performed, then cable connection information can be verified, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection verification accuracyVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by allowing the terminal block cover display devices to automatically present cable connection information without requiring workers to manually search through paper documents. The RFID readers automatically retrieve information from tags on cables and conductors, and the display devices present this information in an easily readable format, making the verification process simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces terminal block cover display devices as intermediaries between the cable connection information (stored in RFID tags) and the worker. These display devices act as mediators that automatically retrieve, process, and present connection information in a user-friendly format, eliminating the need for workers to directly handle and interpret complex paper-based materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If paper-based design drawings and cable cards are used for cable connection, then connection information can be obtained, but the process becomes error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the cable connection system into modular components: RFID tags attached to cables and conductors, RFID readers positioned near terminal blocks, and terminal block cover display devices. Each component has a specific function, and together they form an integrated information retrieval system. This segmentation allows the system to provide accurate connection guidance without requiring complex centralized control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This method significantly reduces the time and labor required for cable connection tasks and enhances reliability by preventing human errors, particularly effective in environments with numerous cables and terminal blocks.

Implementation Method 1

extracting first conductor identification information being used to identify first conductor from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag connected to the first conductor of a cable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification (RFID):

Implementation Method 2

indicating a terminal indicating device associated with the first terminal, according to the first terminal identification information

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emitting diode (LED): Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS8113867B2Cable connection guiding method using a terminal block cover with terminal identification devices

Publication Date: 2012.02.14 HITACHI LTD

AI summary

A cable connection guiding method includes the steps of extracting conductor identification information being used to identify a conductor from a RFID tag connected to the conductor of a cable, and indicating a terminal indicating device associated with an obtained terminal, according to terminal identification information.