Segmented Induction Cable Coupling for Easier Installation and Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and technically challenging process of providing and laying induction cables for inductive heating of oil sands and heavy oil deposits, which require precise separation and connection of cable cores over long distances, necessitates an improvement in cable design and handling for easier installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The induction cable features a coupling device that allows for the connection of conductor strands at defined resonance separation points, enabling the cable to be divided into sections for simplified transport, installation, and repair, with a coupling module that connects either partial or all strands, facilitating easy connection and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the induction cable is provided as a continuous long cable (several hundred meters to kilometers), then the cable can cover the required distance for inductive heating applications, but the cable becomes difficult to transport, handle, and install
Solution Approach 1:
The induction cable is divided into multiple individual cable cores, each consisting of conductor sections separated by insulating intermediate pieces at resonance separation points. This segmentation allows the cable to be manufactured in manageable sections that can be transported and installed separately, then connected via coupling devices to form the required long continuous cable length for inductive heating applications.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the induction cable is manufactured as a single continuous piece, then the cable structure is uniform and complete, but the production process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is constructed from discrete conductor sections separated by insulating intermediate pieces, allowing each section to be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation enables parallel production of multiple cable sections, significantly improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining structural uniformity through standardized coupling devices that ensure consistent electrical and mechanical properties across all joints.
Solution Approach 2:
Individual cable sections with conductor strands and insulating intermediate pieces are prepared in advance during manufacturing. These pre-assembled sections can be produced independently and stored, then quickly connected on-site using coupling devices, thereby accelerating the overall production and deployment process without compromising the uniformity of the complete cable structure.
3Ease of operation
If the cable cores are separated at resonance separation points to form individual sections, then the cable can be easily installed and repaired in sections, but the connection points require additional coupling devices
Solution Approach 1:
The cable cores are intentionally separated at resonance separation points with insulating intermediate pieces, creating natural segmentation points that facilitate modular installation and repair. Standardized coupling devices are designed to connect these pre-segmented sections, allowing field installation and maintenance personnel to work with manageable cable sections rather than handling entire kilometer-long cables, thereby significantly improving installation ease despite the presence of multiple connection points.
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 solution simplifies the production, provision, and laying of induction cables by allowing sectioned installation, reducing handling complexity, enabling easier replacement of defective sections, and improving quality control through modular design and reversible connections.
Implementation Method 1
conductor sections which are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the cable at resonance separation points by insulating intermediate regions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an induction cable (1) comprising a plurality of cable conductors (6), each having a conductor strand (9) surrounded by insulation (11), wherein the conductor strand (9) comprises a plurality of conductor sections (8) which are spaced apart in the longitudinal cable direction (2) at resonance dividing points (R) by insulating intermediate pieces (10). The induction cable (1) furthermore comprises a coupling device (3) on which a plurality of the conductor strands (6) are separated forming coupling ends (20a, b) at coupling positions (K). The coupling ends (20a, b) are connected to each other via the coupling device (3). A simple providing and installing of the induction cable (1) and a simple replacement of damaged cable parts (4) is thus enabled.