Remote monitoring system and method for connector

Abstract

The invention discloses a remote monitoring system and method for a connector. The remote monitoring system includes: a detection module connected to a connector and inputting a detection signal to the connector; a processing module connected to the connector and configured to receive a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, the processing module configured to derive connection state data from the response signal, the connection state data indicating a connection state of the connector; the transmission module is connected to the processing module, and the transmission module is configured to receive the connection state data and transmit the connection state data to a remote management module; and the remote management module receives the connection state data transmitted by the transmission module, and the remote management module is configured to analyze the connection state data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of electrical connection devices, and in particular to a remote monitoring system and method for connectors. Background Art

[0002] The external electrical connection between electrical equipment generally needs to be completed with the help of connectors to transmit power and signals between devices. The quality and reliability of connectors directly affect the normal operation of the entire electrical device and are very critical components. The number of connectors in marine products is very large. If a connector has a break, short circuit, instantaneous disconnection, poor insulation, poor contact, miswiring and other faults, it will have an immeasurable impact on the entire electrical device, so it is very necessary to test the electrical performance of the connector.

[0003] In the past few decades, the traditional shipbuilding industry has entered the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) stage. The working mode of USV has changed from shipboard operation to remote control by shore operators. USV works like an autonomous robot. Under the new operating and control conditions, the electrical connection requirements of unmanned surface vehicles will also generate the following new requirements:

[0004] 1) First, since there are no staff on board to check and deal with on-site problems, the unmanned surface vessel requires more rigorous self-inspection and onboard diagnostic electrical systems;

[0005] 2) Secondly, in order to ensure the robust operation of USV at sea, the intelligent interconnection system will become a must for USV remote controllers. The connection information related to USV operation, safety and emergency handling needs to be transmitted to the USV upper remote control system, so that the onshore operator can monitor the real-time working status of the connector on board and ensure that the USV connection system is in a healthy state;

[0006] 3) Third, in order to ensure the safe operation of USV at sea, it is also urgent to quickly eliminate connection problems. The traditional method of connector inspection and monitoring is through manual on-site inspection.

[0007] There is currently no real-time connection status data transmitted to the upper remote controller of the USV. Therefore, when the USV is operating at sea, the operators on shore have no direct way to accurately estimate the connection status of the USV electrical system. Especially when an emergency occurs at sea, it will be quite difficult to troubleshoot and repair the connection problem.

[0008] Without real-time connection status data, it is impossible to monitor the operation safety and electrical system reliability of USV in real time. For example, when USV is working at sea, the USV operator on shore has no direct way to estimate the real working status of the connector. Therefore, when an emergency occurs, it will be quite difficult to troubleshoot or repair the connection problem of USV. The operation of USV may be out of control, and destructive or even devastating accidents may occur.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide an intelligent connection system and method for the next generation electrical architecture of USV, which significantly improves the electrical reliability of USV and further ensures that USV can perform complex independent tasks at sea. Summary of the invention

[0010] In view of this, the present invention proposes a remote monitoring system and method for connectors. The system includes two major technical features: 1) a method for estimating the contact resistance value of the connector by high-frequency injection is proposed to estimate the real-time health status of the connector. 2) A connection service software platform (API) is proposed for the USV electrical system, which can manage the connection terminal information, monitor the real-time connection status, and troubleshoot connection problems. The new intelligent connection service system described in the present invention proposes a system-level integrated digital connection management solution for unmanned boats. The system configuration of the present invention can be divided into three layers. The bottom layer is an intelligent connector with a connection status data collection unit. The middle layer is a data transmission channel for transmitting connection data from the intelligent connector to the intelligent controller of the USV. The top layer is the intelligent connection management software (API), which is embedded in the intelligent software platform of the USV.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a remote monitoring system for a connector is provided, the remote monitoring system comprising: a detection module, connected to the connector, and the detection module is configured to input a detection signal to the connector; a processing module, connected to the connector, and the processing module is configured to receive a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, and the processing module is configured to derive connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates the connection status of the connector; a transmission module, connected to the processing module, and the transmission module is configured to receive the connection status data and transmit the connection status data to a remote management module; and the remote management module receives the connection status data transmitted by the transmission module, and the remote management module is configured to analyze the connection status data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

[0012] Preferably, the processing module comprises a comparison unit, wherein the comparison unit is configured to compare the response signal with a preset threshold value, and generate a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold value.

[0013] Preferably, the detection module comprises a high-frequency injection circuit unit, and the high-frequency injection circuit unit generates a high-frequency detection signal as the detection signal.

[0014] Preferably, the processing module is configured to receive a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector to the high-frequency detection signal, and derive a contact impedance value of the connector based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and use the derived contact impedance value as the connection status data.

[0015] Preferably, the transmission module receives the connection status data and the warning signal, and transmits the connection status data and the warning signal to the remote management module.

[0016] Preferably, the remote management module analyzes the connection status data to generate a graphical user interface including the analysis results and provides the graphical user interface to an operator to review the analysis results, the graphical user interface also including a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

[0017] Preferably, the remote management module analyses the connection status data and the warning signal to generate a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface comprising the warning signal and a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

[0018] Preferably, the connection status data includes an identifier of the connector, the remote management module stores the identifier of the connector in association with the connection status data, and the identifier of the connector can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol on a surface of the connector.

[0019] Preferably, the remote management module is installed in the user terminal, and the remote management module performs data communication with the transmission module in a wired or wireless manner.

[0020] Preferably, the remote management module comprises a fault diagnosis unit, which analyzes the connection status data to generate fault diagnosis information.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a remote monitoring method for a connector is provided, the remote monitoring method comprising: a detection step of inputting a detection signal into the connector; a processing step of receiving a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, and deriving connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates the connection status of the connector; a transmission step of receiving the connection status data, and transmitting the connection status data to a remote management module; and a remote management step of receiving the connection status data, and analyzing the connection status data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

[0022] Preferably, the processing step comprises: comparing the response signal with a preset threshold value, and generating a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold value.

[0023] Preferably, the detection step comprises: generating a high-frequency detection signal as the detection signal.

[0024] Preferably, in the processing step, a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector to the high-frequency detection signal is received, and the contact impedance value of the connector is derived based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and the derived contact impedance value is used as the connection status data.

[0025] Preferably, in the transmitting step, the connection status data and the warning signal are received, and the connection status data and the warning signal are transmitted to the remote management module.

[0026] Preferably, in the remote management step, the connection status data is analyzed to generate a graphical user interface, wherein the graphical user interface includes a graphical display for indicating the real-time connection status of the connector.

[0027] Preferably, in the remote management step, the connection status data and the warning signal are analyzed to generate a graphical user interface including the analysis results and the graphical user interface is provided to an operator for reviewing the analysis results. The graphical user interface also includes the warning signal and a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

[0028] Preferably, the connection status data includes an identifier of the connector. In the remote management step, the identifier of the connector is stored in association with the connection status data, and the identifier of the connector can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol on a surface of the connector.

[0029] Preferably, in the remote management step, the connection status data is analyzed to generate fault diagnosis information.

[0030] Based on the present invention, there are three main advantages. 1) The reliability of the USV connection system can be further enhanced, so the entire electrical system will benefit based on the additional digital connection status data. 2) The self-checking and diagnostic capabilities of the connection system can be established. The efficiency of connectivity inspection can be accelerated and problems can be predicted in advance. 3) Onshore operators can monitor the real-time working status of the connector. When an emergency occurs, the connection problem can be eliminated and repaired in time to avoid accidents. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings so that the above and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent to those skilled in the art. In the accompanying drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the main components of a remote monitoring system for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 A circuit schematic diagram of a high frequency injection method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing a graphical user interface presented by remote management according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A flow chart of a remote monitoring method for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clear, the present invention is further described in detail with reference to the following embodiments.

[0037] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present application can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meanings as commonly understood by ordinary technicians in the technical field to which this application belongs.

[0039] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified, the directional words used, such as "up, down, top, bottom", usually refer to the directions shown in the drawings, or to the components themselves in the vertical, perpendicular or gravity directions; similarly, for ease of understanding and description, "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself, but the above-mentioned directional words are not used to limit the present invention.

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the main components of a remote monitoring system for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, the remote monitoring system 10 includes: 1) a detection module 102, which is connected to the connector 20, and the detection module 102 is configured to input a detection signal to the connector 20. For example, the detection module 102 may include a high-frequency injection circuit unit, which generates a high-frequency detection signal as a detection signal. Specifically, for the selection of the characteristic frequency of the high-frequency voltage signal generated by the high-frequency injection circuit unit, various limiting factors such as line length and detection device can be considered. Specifically, the frequency of the high-frequency voltage signal should be significantly different from the operating frequency of the connector 20. The frequency of the high-frequency detection signal is much higher than the frequency of the driving voltage of the connector 20, and the two do not interfere with each other. The high-frequency detection signal is used for online fault detection of the connector 20, and the low-frequency driving voltage is used to control the normal operation of the connector 20.Although the larger the amplitude of the high-frequency detection signal is, the more conducive it is to detection, the tolerance of the electronic device itself, the range of the detection device and the system's tolerance to current shocks and other requirements should also be taken into account; 2) The processing module 104 is connected to the connector 20, and the processing module 104 is configured to receive a response signal of the connector 20 to the detection signal, and the processing module 104 derives connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates the connection status of the connector 20, and the connection status data may also include an identifier of the connector 20, and the identifier of the connector 20 can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol (for example, a QR code or a bar code) on the surface of the connector 20; for example, the processing module 104 receives a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector 20 to the high-frequency detection signal, and derives a contact impedance value of the connector 20 based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and uses the derived contact impedance value as the connection status data; in addition, the processing module 104 may include a comparison unit, which compares the response signal with a preset threshold, and generates a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold, for example , the comparison unit compares the voltage response signal with a preset threshold voltage, and generates a warning signal when the voltage response signal is greater than the threshold voltage, or the comparison unit compares the current response signal with a preset threshold current, and generates a warning signal when the current response signal is greater than the threshold current; 3) a transmission module 106, connected to the processing module 104, and the transmission module 104 receives the connection status data and / or the warning signal, and transmits the connection status data and / or the warning signal to the remote management module 108 via a wired or wireless manner; and 4) a remote management module 108, receives the connection status data and / or the warning signal transmitted by the transmission module 106, and stores the identifier of the connector 20 in association with the connection status data, the remote management module 108 analyzes the connection status data and / or the warning signal to generate remote monitoring information for the connector 20, for example, the remote management module 108 analyzes the connection status data and the warning signal to generate a graphical user interface, the graphical user interface includes a warning signal and a graphical display for indicating the real-time connection status of the connector 20 (for example, such as. Figure 3 In addition, the remote management module 108 may include a fault diagnosis unit, which analyzes the connection status data and / or the warning signal to generate fault diagnosis information, and may also provide troubleshooting guidance for the fault diagnosis information.

[0042] exist Figure 1In the remote monitoring system 10 shown, the detection module 102, the processing module 104, and the transmission module 106 can be installed in the unmanned surface vessel together with the connector 20, and the remote management module 108 can be installed in a user terminal (for example, a handheld smart device, a computer, and other smart devices), and the user terminal can be operated by a user on shore. In the process of remote monitoring of the connector 20, the user can operate the user terminal to scan the graphic symbol (for example, a QR code or a barcode) on the surface of the connector 20 to obtain the identifier of the connector 20, and can define the name of the connector 20 through the user input device, and set various parameters of the connector 20 (for example, the monitoring frequency, threshold, etc. for the connector 20). Next, the remote management module 108 receives the connection status data and / or warning signal transmitted by the transmission module 106 via wired or wireless means, and stores the identifier of the connector 20 and the corresponding connection status data and / or warning signal received in association with each other, and analyzes the connection status data and / or warning signal to generate remote monitoring information for the connector 20. For example, the remote management module 108 analyzes the connection status data and the warning signal to generate a graphical user interface containing various monitoring information.

[0043] In addition, despite Figure 1 The remote monitoring system 10 and the connector 20 are shown as two separate components, but as needed, the remote monitoring system 10 and the connector 20 can be integrated. For example, the detection module 102, the processing module 104, and the transmission module 106 of the remote monitoring system 10 can be integrated with the connector 20 into an integral component.

[0044] Figure 2 FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit using a high frequency injection method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the high-frequency injection circuit unit of the detection module generates a high-frequency detection signal u0 as a detection signal, and according to the formula u i =Asinωt, and the contact impedance value R of the connector is derived. Among them, Figure 2 The C in it represents the capacitor, and R represents the contact impedance of the connector.

[0045] In addition to the high-frequency injection method, a steady current source method can also be used to derive the contact impedance value of the connector.

[0046] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a graphical user interface presented by the remote management module 108 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 As shown, the graphical user interface presented by the remote management module 108 includes a graph of the contact impedance value of the connector 20 and the date. Figure 3The contact impedance value shown is the real-time contact impedance value of the connector 20 received from June 1, 2023 to June 29, 2023. As shown in the graphical user interface, the real-time contact impedance value of the connector 20 received on June 9, 2023 is 300mΩ, which is highlighted as a warning signal. In addition, the fault diagnosis unit of the remote management module 108 can analyze the connection status data and / or the warning signal to generate fault diagnosis information, and can provide troubleshooting guidance, and provide the fault diagnosis information and troubleshooting guidance to the user via, for example, a graphical user interface. Although Figure 3 For the sake of clarity, only the real-time contact impedance value of one connector 20 is shown. However, it is understandable that the real-time contact impedance values ​​of multiple connectors can be displayed separately, for example, by different colors or different curve shapes. In addition, the graphical user interface can also display an overlay window or a small window, and the overlay window or the small window can display the labels of multiple connectors. The user can switch to display the real-time contact impedance values ​​of multiple connectors by selecting the labels of the connectors in the overlay window or the small window. In addition, in order to save power consumption and be more efficient, the contact impedance value of the connector can be displayed at a predetermined time interval. For example, as needed, the operator can set the predetermined time interval to weekly or monthly.

[0047] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a remote monitoring method for a connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the remote monitoring method for the connector includes: a detection step 402, inputting a detection signal to the connector; a processing step 404, receiving a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, and deriving connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates the connection status of the connector; a transmission step 406, receiving the connection status data, and transmitting the connection status data to a remote management module; and a remote management step 408, receiving the connection status data, and analyzing the connection status data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

[0048] Processing step 404 may include comparing the response signal with a preset threshold, and generating a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold.

[0049] The detection step 402 may include generating a high frequency detection signal as the detection signal.

[0050] In processing step 404, a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector to the high-frequency detection signal is received, and a contact impedance value of the connector is derived based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and the derived contact impedance value is used as connection status data.

[0051] In the transmission step 406 , the connection status data and the warning signal are received and transmitted to the remote management module.

[0052] In a remote management step 408, the connection status data is analyzed to generate a graphical user interface including a graphical display indicating the real-time connection status of the connector.

[0053] In the remote management step 408, the connection status data and the warning signal are analyzed to generate a graphical user interface including the warning signal and a graphic display indicating the real-time connection status of the connector.

[0054] The connection status data includes an identifier of the connector. In the remote management step, the identifier of the connector is stored in association with the connection status data, and the identifier of the connector can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol on a surface of the connector.

[0055] In the remote management step 408, the connection status data is analyzed to generate fault diagnosis information.

[0056] The present invention can be directly used for the control of unmanned surface vessels. In addition, the present invention can also be extended to more unmanned scenarios, such as the maintenance of wind farms, solar power plants, lighting plants, etc. The present invention provides a system-level overall solution for USV connection system management.

[0057] The remote monitoring system for connectors can be integrated with traditional connectors to form smart connectors. In addition, both the new smart connectors and the service software platform can be provided to customers, thereby achieving the following technical effects: 1) Provide customers with system-level smart connection solutions, including smart connectors and software service platforms for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs); 2) The present invention can estimate the real-time health of the connector by measuring the voltage / current value of the connector. Fault alarms can also be detected and predicted in advance. 3) Based on the present invention, onshore USV operators can quickly troubleshoot and check connection problems to ensure the safe operation of USVs at sea. In addition, the present invention can also be extended to the maintenance of wind farms, solar power plants, lighting plants, etc.

[0058] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A remote monitoring system for a connector, characterized in that: The remote monitoring system comprises: a detection module connected to the connector, and the detection module is configured to input a detection signal to the connector; a processing module connected to the connector, and the processing module is configured to receive a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, and the processing module is configured to derive connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates a connection status of the connector; a transmission module connected to the processing module, and configured to receive the connection status data and transmit the connection status data to a remote management module; and The remote management module receives the connection status data transmitted by the transmission module, and the remote management module is configured to analyze the connection status data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

2. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The processing module includes a comparison unit, which is configured to compare the response signal with a preset threshold value, and generate a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold value.

3. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The detection module includes a high-frequency injection circuit unit, and the high-frequency injection circuit unit generates a high-frequency detection signal as the detection signal.

4. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 3, characterized in that: The processing module is configured to receive a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector to the high-frequency detection signal, and to derive a contact impedance value of the connector based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and to use the derived contact impedance value as the connection status data.

5. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 2, characterized in that: The transmission module receives the connection status data and the warning signal, and transmits the connection status data and the warning signal to the remote management module.

6. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1, characterized in that: The remote management module analyzes the connection status data to generate a graphical user interface including the analysis results and provides the graphical user interface to an operator for reviewing the analysis results. The graphical user interface also includes a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

7. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 5, characterized in that: The remote management module analyzes the connection status data and the warning signal to generate a graphical user interface, which includes the warning signal and a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

8. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The connection status data includes an identifier of the connector, the remote management module stores the identifier of the connector in association with the connection status data, and the identifier of the connector can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol on a surface of the connector.

9. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The remote management module is installed in the user terminal, and the remote management module performs data communication with the transmission module in a wired or wireless manner.

10. The remote monitoring system for a connector according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The remote management module includes a fault diagnosis unit, which analyzes the connection status data to generate fault diagnosis information.

11. A remote monitoring method for a connector, characterized in that: The remote monitoring method comprises: A detection step, inputting a detection signal into the connector; a processing step of receiving a response signal of the connector to the detection signal, and deriving connection status data from the response signal, wherein the connection status data indicates a connection status of the connector; a transmission step, receiving the connection status data, and transmitting the connection status data to a remote management module; and The remote management step receives the connection status data and analyzes the connection status data to generate remote monitoring information for the connector.

12. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: The processing step includes comparing the response signal with a preset threshold value, and generating a warning signal when the response signal is greater than the threshold value.

13. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The detection step includes: generating a high-frequency detection signal as the detection signal.

14. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 13, characterized in that: In the processing step, a voltage response signal or a current response signal of the connector to the high-frequency detection signal is received, and a contact impedance value of the connector is derived based on the voltage response signal or the current response signal, and the derived contact impedance value is used as the connection status data.

15. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 12, characterized in that: In the transmitting step, the connection status data and the warning signal are received, and the connection status data and the warning signal are transmitted to the remote management module.

16. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 11, characterized in that: In the remote management step, the connection status data is analyzed to generate a graphical user interface including the analysis results and the graphical user interface is provided to an operator for reviewing the analysis results. The graphical user interface also includes a graphical display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

17. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 15, characterized in that: In the remote management step, the connection status data and the warning signal are analyzed to generate a graphical user interface, which includes the warning signal and a graphic display for indicating the connection status of the connector in real time or at predetermined time intervals.

18. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The connection status data includes an identifier of the connector. In the remote management step, the identifier of the connector is stored in association with the connection status data, and the identifier of the connector can be obtained by scanning a graphic symbol on a surface of the connector.

19. The remote monitoring method for a connector according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: In the remote management step, the connection status data is analyzed to generate fault diagnosis information.

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