A high-reliability MEMS-based non-contact proximity electric warning device and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a non-contact proximity alarm device and method based on high-reliability MEMS. The device employs a MEMS electric field sensor chip to measure the electric field in space, featuring a simple structure, compact size, and lightweight design, thus improving the portability of voltage detection and safety during electrical work. The alarm method uses MEMS electric field sensors at three measuring points on the proximity alarm device. Based on the measurement results from these three points, the magnitude of the electric field strength at the device's location and the direction of the electric field source are calculated, thereby enhancing safety against electric shock during operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of voltage detection and power industry safety monitoring, and particularly to a non-contact proximity alarm device and alarm method. Background Technology

[0002] The safety of workers is of paramount importance in electrical work, and their safety is essential for ensuring the stable and reliable operation of electrical projects. During work, workers often inevitably come into contact with live equipment. Without proper safety precautions, accidents can easily occur, threatening the lives of workers. Most electric shock accidents in the power industry are caused by workers failing to perform voltage testing before work begins and failing to maintain a safe distance during operation.

[0003] Performing a voltage test before starting work helps workers determine if the equipment is still energized; during work, the voltage test helps workers maintain a safe distance from the equipment. Therefore, voltage testing can prevent accidental electric shock and equipment damage, helping to protect the personal safety of workers and prevent accidents or malfunctions in the power system.

[0004] In the process of conceiving this invention, the inventors discovered that related technologies suffer from at least the following problems: Most voltage testing equipment used in related technologies is a contact voltage detector, requiring the detector's contacts to touch the device under test. When the voltage level of the device under test increases, a larger safety distance needs to be maintained, necessitating an increase in the length of the voltage detector's insulated handle. Furthermore, voltage testing can only be performed before operation, not simultaneously during operation. Additionally, when voltage testing is required inside the equipment, it must be disassembled, which is inconvenient. Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent a non-contact voltage testing device and method.

[0005] A search revealed Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 218767089 U, which discloses a non-contact voltage detector for power distribution networks. This device includes an ultraviolet (UV) sensor, a UV sensor drive unit on its side, and a ranging device between the UV sensor and the drive unit. The ranging device is connected to both the UV sensor and the drive unit, with internal wiring passing through the ranging device. A display device is mounted at the end of the drive unit. Unlike traditional voltage detectors, non-contact voltage detectors do not require direct contact with high-voltage transmission lines, offering significant practical value and economic benefits due to their small size, portability, and accurate results. However, while this invention achieves a smaller size for improved portability, it still requires handheld operation, making it unsuitable for real-time voltage detection.

[0006] A search revealed Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 117831219 A, which discloses a multifunctional proximity safety distance alarm device and its usage method. It includes a hollow alarm housing; an integrated circuit board is installed inside the alarm housing; the integrated circuit board integrates a MEMS electric field sensor, a main control chip, a voice chip, a speaker, a buzzer, a gear adjustment switch, and a power interface; the main control chip is electrically connected to the sensor and the gear adjustment switch; the main control chip is connected to the buzzer via an amplifying transistor; the voice chip is connected to the main control chip via a rectifier diode, and the speaker is electrically connected to the voice chip. This effectively solves the problem of low detection accuracy in current conventional alarms, which cannot effectively guarantee environmental safety in complex environments. However, after the alarm sounds, the wearer needs to check the problem themselves, and cannot determine the direction of the danger source. When the wearer misjudges the situation, it can easily lead to electric shock, resulting in insufficient safety. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention takes the electric field around the device as the measurement object. In order to overcome the defects of the existing technology, it provides a non-contact voltage testing device and voltage testing method. Its purpose is to enable operators to perform voltage testing operations without contacting the device under test, thereby improving the portability and safety of voltage testing operations.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a non-contact voltage testing device is provided, characterized in that it comprises a helmet, a power module, a sensor unit, a signal processing module, a wireless communication module, and a speaker.

[0009] The helmet is used to house various modules and is characterized by including an outer shell, an inner liner, a safety belt, and sensor mounting slots.

[0010] Furthermore, the outer shell is made of ABS plastic, with a head circumference of 60cm, a height of 15cm, a thickness of 1.5cm, a weight of 0.5kg, and a protection rating of IP54.

[0011] Furthermore, the liner, which is attached to the inside of the helmet, is made of expanded polystyrene foam.

[0012] Furthermore, the safety belt is fixed at both ends to the bottom of the helmet on both sides, is made of nylon, and has a buckle and adjuster in the middle, which can freely adjust the length of the safety belt and unbuckle it.

[0013] Furthermore, the sensor fixing slot is integrated with the helmet and is located in three directions: the front, the left rear, and the right rear of the helmet, each at a 120° angle. It has internal threads and the sensor is fixed into the slot by rotating it.

[0014] The power module provides power to the sensor, ensuring its normal operation. It is characterized by comprising a power supply, a voltage regulator, a power filter, a power protection circuit, and a power switch.

[0015] Furthermore, the power source is a 4V lithium battery connected to a power regulator to supply power to other modules.

[0016] Furthermore, the power regulator is a dropout regulator connected to the power filter to maintain a stable 3.3V supply voltage, ensuring that the sensor can operate normally.

[0017] Furthermore, the power filter is a low-pass filter with a high-frequency cutoff frequency of 10Hz, and is connected to the power protection circuit to filter high-frequency interference.

[0018] Furthermore, the power protection circuit is an electrostatic discharge protection circuit, with a transient voltage suppressor placed at the input terminal to prevent electrostatic discharge from damaging the circuit.

[0019] Furthermore, the power switch is made of ABS plastic in the form of a button, connected to the power source, exposed on the helmet surface, and connected to the power source when the switch is pressed.

[0020] The sensor unit is used to receive external electric field signals and transmit the corresponding signals to a signal processing module. It is characterized by comprising a sensor housing and a MEMS electric field sensor chip.

[0021] Furthermore, the sensor housing is cylindrical, with metal plates on both the upper and lower surfaces to isolate it from external electric field interference. An anti-static adhesive is also applied to the housing surface. The upper part of the housing can house an integrated circuit board, while the lower part houses the power module. The lower part of the housing has threads on its side, allowing it to be rotated and fixed to a helmet.

[0022] Furthermore, the MEMS electric field sensor chip has a resolution of 10V / m, an operating temperature of -25℃ to 55℃, an operating humidity of ≤90%RH, and a measurement range of ±100kV / m.

[0023] The signal processing module amplifies the sensor signal, acquires the data, performs data analysis and calculation, and compares it with a preset alarm threshold to determine whether to issue an alarm signal. It is characterized by including a signal processing circuit and a gear adjustment switch.

[0024] Furthermore, the signal processing circuit amplifies the sensor signal into a voltage signal through a signal amplifier, then converts it into a digital signal through an A / D acquisition chip, and finally performs data analysis and calculation through an ARM chip. If the measured electric field strength is greater than the set threshold, an alarm is issued.

[0025] Furthermore, the gear adjustment switch includes four gears: 10kV, 35kV, 63kV, and 110kV. The alarm threshold for the 10kV gear is 3kV / m, for the 35kV gear it is 21kV / m, for the 63kV gear it is 37.8kV / m, and for the 110kV gear it is 66kV / m. The corresponding gear is adjusted via buttons on the helmet surface.

[0026] The wireless communication module uses WIFI communication, which can transmit the measured electric field signal to the host computer to realize real-time monitoring of electric field changes.

[0027] The speaker is used to issue a voice alarm when the signal processing module determines that an alarm is needed. The specific alarm content is: there is a danger of electricity in front, there is a danger of electricity on the left, there is a danger of electricity on the right, and there is a danger of electricity behind.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, an alarm method based on the magnitude of electric field strength and the direction of the electric field source is provided. The method is characterized by providing a comprehensive calculation method for the electric field strength and the direction of the electric field source. First, single-point measurements are performed at three measuring points on the helmet. Based on the sensitivity of MEMS electric field sensors to electric fields in a certain direction, the three MEMS electric field sensors are arranged at the three measuring points on the helmet, facing forward, to the right rear, and to the left rear, respectively, with the three directions spaced 120° apart. The electric field strength measured at the measuring point at the front of the helmet is defined as... The electric field strength measured at the measuring point on the left rear of the helmet is The electric field strength measured at the measuring point on the right rear of the helmet is The total horizontal electric field strength is , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... In fact , , Solving for ,make , , Calculate the value of Q within the range [0°, 360°] with a step size of 1°, and take the value when Q is at its minimum. Used to determine the direction of the electric field source, it is calculated by combining the three measurement results from a single measuring point. When the electric field strength exceeds the alarm threshold, if... The announcement warned of a risk of electric shock on the left. The announcement warned of a potential electric shock hazard. The announcement warned of a risk of electric shock on the right side. Warning: There is a risk of electric shock ahead.

[0029] Compared with existing technologies, this invention overcomes the shortcomings of existing contact voltage detectors, such as low portability, low safety, limited applicability, and weak protection for equipment. Based on the characteristics of MEMS electric field sensors themselves, this invention also has the following significant advantages:

[0030] Low power consumption: MEMS electric field sensors can operate stably with only low voltage, and a single dry cell battery can power them for extended periods, resulting in very low power consumption. High portability: MEMS electric field sensors can be manufactured in very small sizes and integrated into small circuit boards, making them highly portable.

[0031] High sensitivity: MEMS electric field sensors have a fine structure and can measure weak electric field signals, thus exhibiting high sensitivity.

[0032] High reliability: MEMS electric field sensors use micro-nano fabrication technology, which makes them less susceptible to interference from external temperature changes, vibrations or other environmental factors, resulting in high reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 Overall workflow diagram of non-contact proximity alarm device

[0034] Figure 2 Top view of helmet structure

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of sensor structure

[0036] 201 is the sensor at the front measuring point; 202 is the sensor at the left rear measuring point; 203 is the sensor at the right rear measuring point; 204 is the voltage level adjustment button; 205 is the power switch; 301 is the upper and lower metal plates of the sensor housing; 302 is the internal partition of the sensor; 303 is the threaded part of the sensor that rotates to the fixing slot on the helmet; 304 is the power module of the sensor; 305 is the integrated circuit board, which includes a MEMS electric field sensor chip, a signal processing module, and a wireless communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the technical solutions of the present invention.

[0038] The overall workflow of this invention is as follows: Figure 1As shown, Step 1: After pressing the switch on the helmet, manually adjust the voltage level according to the voltage level of the object being measured to adjust the electric field strength alarm threshold at the corresponding voltage level; Step 2: The device begins to detect the electric field strength at the location and the direction of the electric field source; Step 3: Compare the detected electric field strength with the electric field strength alarm threshold; Step 4: When the detected electric field strength is higher than the electric field strength alarm threshold, the speaker will issue an alarm via voice. Further, if... The announcement warned of a risk of electric shock on the left. The announcement warned of a potential electric shock hazard. The announcement warned of a risk of electric shock on the right side. Warning: There is a risk of electric shock ahead.

[0039] A top view of the helmet structure of the present invention is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the helmet shell is made of ABS plastic, which is lightweight and durable. Sensors 201, 202, and 203 are respectively mounted in three fixing slots on the shell, each at a 120° angle to the others, to detect the electric field strength in two directions. Voltage level adjustment buttons 204 and a power switch 205 are located on the left and right sides of the shell, respectively, and are connected to the sensors via circuitry arranged between the helmet and the inner liner. The inner liner is made of polystyrene foam, which serves as cushioning and electrical isolation.

[0040] A schematic diagram of the sensor structure of the present invention is shown below. Figure 3As shown, the sensor housing is a cylindrical shell made of ABS plastic. Two copper metal plates 301 are located on the upper and lower surfaces of the shell to accumulate charge in the ion flow. A threaded portion 303 on the bottom of the sensor is used to secure it to the helmet shell. The sensor is divided into upper and lower sections by a central partition 302. The lower section houses the power module 304, which uses a rechargeable lithium battery. The bottom of the power module 304 also has a USB port for charging the lithium battery. The power module 304 contains a voltage regulator, a power filter, and a power protection circuit. The voltage regulator is a dropout regulator connected to the power filter to maintain a stable 3.3V supply voltage, ensuring normal sensor operation. The power filter is a low-pass filter with a high-frequency cutoff frequency of 10Hz, connected to the power protection circuit to filter high-frequency interference. The power protection circuit is an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, placing a transient voltage suppressor at the input to prevent damage from ESD. The power module 304 is connected to the circuit board 305 through a pre-set opening in the intermediate partition 302. The circuit board 305 integrates a MEMS electric field sensor chip, a signal processing module, and a wireless communication module. The MEMS electric field sensor chip is used to perform the electric field measurement function. The signal processing module is electrically connected to the MEMS electric field sensor chip, the wireless communication module, and the speaker, and is used to analyze and process the measurement results to determine whether an alarm should be triggered. The wireless communication module uses WIFI communication to transmit the measured electric field signal to a host computer, enabling real-time monitoring of electric field changes.

Claims

1. A non-contact proximity alarm device based on high-reliability MEMS, characterized in that, It includes a helmet, power module, sensor unit, signal processing module, wireless communication module, and speaker, among which: The helmet is used to house various modules and is characterized by comprising an outer shell, an inner liner, a safety belt, and sensor mounting slots. The power module provides power to the sensor to ensure that the sensor can work normally. It is characterized by including a power supply, a power regulator, a power filter, a power protection circuit and a power switch. The sensor unit is used to receive external electric field signals and transmit the corresponding signals to the signal processing module. It is characterized in that it includes a sensor housing and a MEMS electric field sensor chip. The signal processing module can amplify the sensor signal, collect data, perform data analysis and calculation, and compare it with a preset alarm threshold to determine whether to issue an alarm signal. It is characterized by including a signal processing circuit and a gear adjustment switch. The wireless communication module uses WIFI communication, which can transmit the measured electric field signal to the host computer to realize real-time monitoring of electric field changes; The speaker is used to issue a voice alarm when the signal processing module determines that an alarm is needed.

2. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is made of ABS plastic, with a head circumference of 60cm, a height of 15cm, a thickness of 1.5cm, a weight of 0.5kg, and a protection rating of IP54. The inner lining is attached to the inside of the helmet and is made of expanded polystyrene foam. The safety harness is fixed at both ends to the bottom of the helmet on both sides and is made of nylon. The safety harness has a buckle and adjuster in the middle, allowing for free adjustment of the harness length and unfastening.

3. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor mounting slot is integrated with the helmet and is located in three directions: the front, the left rear, and the right rear of the helmet, each at a 120° angle. It has internal threads and the sensor is fixed into the slot by rotating it.

4. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power source is a 4V lithium battery, which is connected to a power regulator to supply power to other modules.

5. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power regulator is a dropout regulator connected to the power filter to maintain a stable 3.3V supply voltage, ensuring the sensor functions properly. The power filter is a low-pass filter with a high-frequency cutoff frequency of 10Hz, connected to the power protection circuit to filter high-frequency interference. The power protection circuit is an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit, with a transient voltage suppressor placed at the input to prevent damage to the circuit from ESD.

6. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor housing is cylindrical, with metal plates on both the upper and lower surfaces to isolate it from external electric field interference. Anti-static adhesive is also applied to the housing surface. The upper part of the housing houses an integrated circuit board, while the lower part houses the power module. The lower side of the housing has threads for rotation and fixation to a helmet.

7. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MEMS electric field sensor chip has a resolution of 10V / m, an operating temperature of -25℃ to 55℃, an operating humidity of ≤90%RH, and a measurement range of ±100kV / m.

8. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal processing circuit amplifies the sensor signal into a voltage signal through a signal amplifier, then converts it into a digital signal through an A / D acquisition chip, and finally performs data analysis and calculation through an ARM chip. If the measured electric field strength is greater than the set threshold, an alarm is issued.

9. The non-contact proximity alarm device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned gear adjustment switch includes four gears: 10kV, 35kV, 63kV, and 110kV. The alarm threshold for the 10kV gear is 3kV / m, for the 35kV gear it is 21kV / m, for the 63kV gear it is 37.8kV / m, and for the 110kV gear it is 66kV / m. The corresponding gear is adjusted using buttons on the helmet surface.

10. A non-contact proximity alarm method based on high-reliability MEMS, characterized in that, Based on the characteristic that MEMS electric field sensors are sensitive to electric fields in a certain direction, three MEMS electric field sensors are arranged at three measuring points on the helmet, facing directly forward, to the left rear, and to the right rear, respectively. These three directions are spaced 120° apart. The electric field strength measured at the measuring point directly in front of the helmet is defined as... The electric field strength measured at the measuring point on the left rear of the helmet is The electric field strength measured at the measuring point on the right rear of the helmet is The total horizontal electric field strength is , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... , The angle between the electric field source and the counterclockwise direction is... In fact , , Solving for ,make , , Calculate the value of Q within the range [0°, 360°] with a step size of 1°, and take the value when Q is at its minimum. Used to determine the direction of an electric field source.

11. The non-contact proximity alarm method according to claim 10, characterized in that, By comprehensively calculating the three measurement results of a single measuring point, we obtain... An alarm will be triggered when the electric field strength exceeds the alarm threshold. The specific alarm voice will depend on the direction of the electric field source. The announcement warned of a risk of electric shock on the left; if After broadcasting, there is a risk of electric shock; if The broadcast warned of a risk of electric shock on the right; if A warning has been issued that there is a risk of electric shock ahead.

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