Wireless Cable Breakage Detection Using Potential Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable anti-theft devices require the cable to be energized and are limited to detecting breakages in specific types of cables, making them ineffective for all electrical cables and for cables that are not yet energized.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a wireless sensor connected to an electrical cable, with a power supply unit that applies a predetermined potential to the cable, allowing the sensor to detect either the predetermined potential (indicating cable integrity) or a floating potential (indicating breakage), and transmitting warning signals if breakage is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing anti-theft devices are used, then cable breakage can be detected, but the cable must be energized and the device is limited to specific cable types
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies a predetermined potential to the cable conductor and detects potential changes, making it universally applicable to all electrical cables regardless of type or energization state. The wireless sensor can detect both predetermined potential (integrity) and floating potential (breakage), providing multi-functional detection capability for various cable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the detection parameter from requiring cable energization (current flow) to measuring electrical potential directly. By applying a predetermined potential and detecting changes in this potential, the system can identify cable breakages without requiring the cable to be energized, thus expanding adaptability to different cable types and installation states.
2Reliability
If existing anti-theft devices are used, then cable breakage can be detected, but the device cannot detect breakages in cables that are not yet energized
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary detection by applying a predetermined potential to the cable and monitoring for changes before the cable is energized or damaged. The wireless sensor continuously monitors the potential state, enabling early detection of breakages in stored or uninstalled cables, thus preventing theft and reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the traditional current-based detection mechanism with a potential-based detection system. Instead of requiring cable energization to generate detectable signals, the system applies a predetermined potential and detects changes in this potential, enabling detection in unenergized cables and expanding the temporal window for breakage detection.
3Reliability
If wired monitoring devices are installed, then cable monitoring is possible, but the installation becomes complex and messy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the monitoring function from the cable infrastructure itself by using a wireless sensor that communicates via radiofrequency signals. This eliminates the need for additional wiring along the cable route, simplifying installation and reducing complexity while maintaining full monitoring capability through wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor acts as an intermediary between the cable and the monitoring system. It collects potential data from the cable and transmits it via radiofrequency signals to a receiver, eliminating the need for direct wired connections along the cable route and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable monitoring.
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 early detection of cable breakages without the need for the cable to be energized, reducing repair and installation delays, and is suitable for monitoring multiple cables with easy and tidy installation.
Implementation Method 1
the wireless sensor is designed to detect either the predetermined potential, which is an indicator of the integrity of the at least one electrical cable
Implementation Method 2
or a floating potential, which is an indicator of the breakage of the at least one electrical cable
Implementation Method 3
the at least one power supply unit comprises a means of applying a predetermined potential to the at least one electrical cable
Data Source
AI summary
A device (10) for detecting breakage of at least one electrical cable (12) has the at least one electrical cable (12), a wireless sensor (14) connected to the at least one electrical cable (12), and at least one power supply unit (18) supplying power to the wireless sensor (14). The at least one power supply unit (18) has a means (20) of applying a predetermined potential to the at least one electrical cable (12), and the wireless sensor (14) is designed to detect either the predetermined potential, which is an indicator of the integrity of the at least one electrical cable (12), or a floating potential, which is an indicator of the breakage of the at least one electrical cable (12).