Smartphone Cable Detection Using Injected Electromagnetic Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting embedded electrical cables require complex and expensive specialized equipment, making it difficult for non-professionals to safely and accurately locate cables before performing DIY tasks, such as drilling or adding electrical components, which increases the risk of accidents.
Innovation Solution
A telecommunication equipment item, such as a smartphone or tablet, is repurposed to include a receiver for electromagnetic signals, a generator of predefined electrical signals, and a controller to inject these signals into a cable network, allowing users to detect cable locations using existing widely available devices, thereby simplifying the process and reducing the risk of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If specialized cable detection equipment is used, then cable location precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a telecommunication equipment item (smartphone, tablet, or computer with existing electromagnetic signal reception capabilities) to perform both its original communication function and cable detection function. The equipment uses its built-in electromagnetic signal receiver to detect predefined electrical signals injected into cables, eliminating the need for dedicated cable detection devices while maintaining adequate detection precision for DIY applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the principle of using inexpensive, widely-available telecommunication equipment items instead of expensive specialized cable detection tools. By leveraging the electromagnetic signal reception capability already present in smartphones and tablets, the solution provides cable detection functionality at minimal additional cost, making it accessible to non-professionals for occasional DIY tasks.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If specialized cable detection equipment is used, then cable detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes cable detection accessible to non-professionals by using telecommunication equipment items that are already familiar to the average user. Smartphones, tablets, and computers are devices that non-professionals already own and know how to operate, eliminating the learning curve associated with specialized equipment while maintaining adequate cable detection capability for identifying cable locations and depths.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If material detectors operating on radar principle are used, then cable detection is enabled, but measurement precision is insufficient compared to cable tracers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a predefined electrical signal as an intermediary between the cable and the electromagnetic signal receiver. Instead of directly detecting the cable's physical presence (as material detectors do), the system injects a known electrical signal into the cable and detects its electromagnetic radiation. This intermediary signal provides characteristic detection features that improve precision over direct material detection while remaining simpler than full cable tracer systems.
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 enables users to accurately and safely locate cables using common devices, reducing the need for specialized equipment and minimizing the risk of accidents during DIY electrical work by providing precise location information and visual aids for cable tracing.
Implementation Method 1
They utilize the conducting nature of the cables to be detected by emitting a specific electrical signal on the cable such that the cable no longer behaves as a shielded conductor but radiates a part of the signal in electromagnetic wave form.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and telecommunication equipment item for detecting a cable of a network of cables, in particular of a network of electrical cables, especially ones which are not detectable to the naked eye. For example, a network of electrical cables may be embedded inside the partitions of a building. The telecommunication equipment item has a receiver and a detector of a predefined electrical signal injected into a network of cables as a function of electromagnetic signals received by the receiver. Thus, the receiver is not required to be a specific equipment item dedicated solely to this use but may be implemented in a telecommunication equipment item with which users are widely equipped such as a smartphone, a tablet, etc.