Current sensing inductive devices with integrated bus bar

Abstract

A low-cost and high-precision current sensing device and methods for use and manufacturing. In one embodiment, the current sensing apparatus comprises a Rogowski-type coil which is manufactured in segments so as to facilitate the manufacturing process. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensing apparatus segments comprise a number of bobbin elements that are wound and subsequently formed into complex geometric shapes such as torus-like shapes. In an alternative embodiment, bonded windings are utilized which allow the segments to be formed without a bobbin or former. In yet another alternative embodiment, the aforementioned current sensing devices are stacked in groups of two or more. Methods of manufacturing and using the aforementioned current sensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

PRIORITY[0001]This application is a divisional of and claims priority to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 954,546 filed Nov. 24, 2010 and entitled “CURRENT SENSING DEVICES AND METHODS”, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 684,056 filed Jan. 7, 2010 of the same title, which is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 567,622 filed Sep. 25, 2009 of the same title, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 230,474 filed Jul. 31, 2009 of the same title, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.COPYRIGHT[0002]A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to different aspects of an inductive device that can be adjusted to achieve desired performance and cost of manufacturing. One aspect is the use of segmented coils that can be stacked in different ways to achieve the desired output. Another aspect is the use of a shielding layer to reduce the effects of external electromagnetic fields. Overall, the invention allows for flexibility and customization in the design of inductive devices.

Problems solved by technology

Furthermore, the output of a Rogowski coil is typically highly linear, even when subjected to large currents such as those used in electric power transmission, welding, or other pulsed power applications.

However, due to the relatively complex winding configurations involved, prior art attempts at manufacturing Rogowski type coils have been labor intensive and expensive.

Images