Single lamp monitoring device and lamp box water inlet detection system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a single lamp monitoring device and a lamp box water inlet detection system. The single lamp monitoring device comprises: an insulating housing; the one or more insulating water pipes are arranged in the insulating shell, the two ends of each insulating water pipe are communicated with the external space of the insulating shell through through holes formed in the insulating shell, and the connecting positions of the insulating water pipes and the insulating shell are connected in a sealed mode; the one or more water inlet detection inductance coils are arranged in the insulating shell, are in one-to-one correspondence with the insulating water pipes and are arranged on the corresponding insulating water pipes in a sleeving manner; the one or more conversion circuits are arranged in the insulating shell, are connected with the water inlet detection inductance coils in a one-to-one correspondence manner, and are used for converting inductance values at the two ends of the corresponding water inlet detection inductance coils into voltage signals; a micro-control unit and a communication circuit. And automatic detection of water inflow of the lamp box is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a single-lamp monitoring device and a light box water ingress detection system. Background Technology

[0002] Airport navigation lights are housed underground in the soil area outside the runway and taxiway. The light box is a sealed enclosure used to house equipment such as isolation transformers and individual lamp monitoring devices. The individual lamp monitoring devices control the lights outside the light box. The lights are typically buried along the centerline of the runway and taxiway. Because the primary side of the isolation transformer is a high-voltage terminal, with a maximum voltage of 4500V, water ingress into the light box can reduce the insulation of the primary connectors, creating a risk of electric shock near the light box and causing the navigation light circuit to degrade or become inoperable.

[0003] For example, CN116915285B discloses a lighting monitoring system, which includes: a constant current power supply, a first series branch, a communication host, multiple monitors (i.e., single-lamp monitoring devices), and multiple lamps. In actual airports, each monitor and its corresponding transformer (i.e., isolation transformer) are placed in the same lamp box. The lamp corresponding to each monitor is located outside its corresponding lamp box.

[0004] Each light box contains a single-lamp monitoring device that controls one navigational aid light. Typically, each airport has tens of thousands of light boxes. The traditional method is to manually inspect them for water ingress, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient, making it practically impossible for large airports. Utility Model Content

[0005] This utility model provides a single-lamp monitoring device and a light box water ingress detection system to detect water ingress into the light box in real time.

[0006] This utility model provides a single-lamp monitoring device, comprising:

[0007] Insulating housing;

[0008] One or more insulating water pipes are disposed inside the insulating housing, and both ends of the insulating water pipes communicate with the external space of the insulating housing through through holes opened on the insulating housing. The connection between the insulating water pipes and the insulating housing is sealed.

[0009] One or more water inlet detection inductors are disposed inside the insulating housing and are correspondingly installed on the corresponding insulating water pipes.

[0010] One or more conversion circuits are disposed inside the insulating housing and connected one-to-one with the water inlet detection inductor coils, for converting the inductance value at both ends of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor coil into a voltage signal;

[0011] A microcontroller unit is disposed within the insulating housing, and the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the conversion circuit;

[0012] A communication circuit, housed within the insulating housing and connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to communicate with external devices of the single-lamp monitoring device.

[0013] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is generally rectangular, the ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2, the ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3, the two surfaces defined by the length and width directions of the insulating housing are the front and back sides, the remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side sides, and at least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two opposite side sides.

[0014] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is generally rectangular, the ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2, the ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3, the two surfaces defined by the length direction and the width direction of the insulating housing are the front and back sides, the remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side sides, and at least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two side sides connected to each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the insulated water pipe is a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe.

[0016] In some embodiments, the insulated water pipe and the insulated housing are integrally formed.

[0017] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is filled with sealant.

[0018] In some embodiments, the conversion circuit includes a detection resistor and a voltage amplification circuit, wherein the first end of the detection resistor and the first end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor are connected between the AC power supply and ground, and the second end of the detection resistor is connected to the second end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor.

[0019] The input terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the second terminal of the detection resistor, and the output terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit.

[0020] In some embodiments, the communication circuit is a power line carrier communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.

[0021] In some implementations, the timer PWM output pin of the microcontroller is connected to the communication circuit.

[0022] This utility model provides a water ingress detection system for light boxes, including:

[0023] Sealed enclosure;

[0024] The aforementioned single-lamp monitoring device is installed inside the sealed enclosure;

[0025] An isolation transformer is housed within the sealed enclosure.

[0026] A pair of primary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which extends out of the sealed enclosure;

[0027] A pair of secondary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which is connected to the single-lamp monitoring device;

[0028] One or more pairs of drive wires, the first end of which is connected to the single lamp monitoring device, and the second end of which passes through the sealed housing and is used to connect to the lamp.

[0029] The single-lamp monitoring device is placed inside a sealed enclosure (i.e., the lamp box). Under normal circumstances, the interior space of the insulated water pipe is filled with air, resulting in a low inductance value for the water ingress detection coil mounted on it. If the seal of the enclosure fails and water enters, the interior space of the insulated water pipe becomes filled with water, increasing the inductance value of the water ingress detection coil. The conversion circuit converts the inductance value of the water ingress detection coil into a voltage signal, which the microcontroller unit can then use to sample the voltage signal to determine whether water has entered the insulated water pipe. Once the inductance value of the water ingress detection coil exceeds a set threshold, the microcontroller unit can send an early warning to external devices via the communication circuit, enabling efficient and timely handling of water ingress faults in the lamp box. Furthermore, the modification cost of this single-lamp monitoring device is low. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the light box water ingress detection system of this utility model.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a single-lamp monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a single-lamp monitoring device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a structural schematic diagram of a single-lamp monitoring device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The attached diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Sealed enclosure; 2. Isolation transformer; 3. Single lamp monitoring device; L1, L2, primary side cables; L3, L4, secondary side cables; L5, L6, drive lines; VCC, AC power supply terminal; L, water inlet detection inductor coil; P, insulated water pipe; A, voltage amplification circuit; T, conversion circuit; M, microcontroller unit; C, communication circuit; J1, J2, connectors; J3, primary connector; R, detection resistor. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] An embodiment of this utility model provides a single-lamp monitoring device, comprising:

[0037] Insulating housing;

[0038] One or more insulating water pipes are disposed inside the insulating housing, and both ends of the insulating water pipes communicate with the external space of the insulating housing through through holes opened on the insulating housing. The connection between the insulating water pipes and the insulating housing is sealed.

[0039] One or more water inlet detection inductors are disposed inside the insulating housing and are correspondingly installed on the corresponding insulating water pipes.

[0040] One or more conversion circuits are disposed inside the insulating housing and connected one-to-one with the water inlet detection inductor coils, for converting the inductance value at both ends of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor coil into a voltage signal;

[0041] A microcontroller unit is disposed within the insulating housing, and the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the conversion circuit;

[0042] A communication circuit, housed within the insulating housing and connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to communicate with external devices of the single-lamp monitoring device.

[0043] The insulating housing may be, for example, a plastic casing. The insulating housing may be, for example, a flat cubic shape. The edges of the insulating housing may be rounded to improve its structural stability. The shape of the insulating housing is not limited to these; for example, it may also be a truncated cone shape.

[0044] The insulated water pipe is preferably a rigid pipe, as this design ensures a relatively stable inductance value for the water inlet detection coil. The insulated water pipe can also be a flexible hose.

[0045] Whether water enters the insulated water pipe will affect the inductance value of the water ingress detection inductor, and consequently, the reactance value of the inductor. The conversion circuit maps the change in the inductance value of the water ingress detection inductor into a voltage signal.

[0046] A microcontroller unit (MCU) has a voltage detection terminal and built-in voltage detection circuitry, capable of measuring the voltage value of the terminal relative to ground. The MCU also has built-in output circuitry, enabling wired communication with communication circuitry. For example, the MCU may have a built-in timer that outputs a square wave of a specific waveform; in this case, the PWM output pin of the microcontroller's timer is connected to the communication circuitry. Suitable MCUs include STMicroelectronics' STM32L412, Texas Instruments' TMS320F28027, or NXP's S9KEAZ128AMLH.

[0047] A communication circuit, housed within the insulating housing and connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to communicate with external devices of the single-lamp monitoring device. The communication circuit can use wired communication (e.g., power line carrier communication) or wireless communication (e.g., 5G communication). This invention does not limit the circuit structure and operating principle of the communication circuit, and existing communication circuits for single-lamp monitoring devices can be used.

[0048] Modifying existing single-lamp monitoring devices is easy. Simply add a conversion circuit to the circuit board, redesign the shape of the insulating housing, incorporate an insulating water pipe, and install a water inlet detection inductor coil on the insulating water pipe to obtain the single-lamp monitoring device of this invention.

[0049] The connection between the microcontroller unit and the communication circuit is not limited to this; for example, they can be connected via a bus or directly via wires.

[0050] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is generally rectangular, the ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2, the ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3, the two surfaces defined by the length and width directions of the insulating housing are the front and back sides, the remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side sides, and at least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two opposite side sides.

[0051] The insulating shell is approximately flattened into a cubic shape. The insulating water pipe preferably extends along the length or width of the insulating shell.

[0052] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is generally rectangular, the ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2, the ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3, the two surfaces defined by the length direction and the width direction of the insulating housing are the front and back sides, the remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side sides, and at least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two side sides connected to each other.

[0053] In this embodiment, the insulating water pipe can be L-shaped and located in the corner area of ​​the front view of the insulating housing.

[0054] The two implementation methods described above require relatively small overall modifications to the layout of the circuit board within the existing single-lamp monitoring device.

[0055] In some embodiments, the insulated water pipe and the insulated housing are integrally formed. This improves the waterproof performance of the insulated housing. In other embodiments, the insulation can be a separate structure from the insulated water pipe, with the connection point sealed with sealant for waterproofing.

[0056] In some embodiments, the insulating housing is filled with sealant. This design further improves the waterproof performance of the single-lamp monitoring device and protects the internal circuitry of the device. The sealant can be epoxy resin, silicone sealant, polyurethane sealant, or polysulfide sealant.

[0057] In some embodiments, the conversion circuit includes a detection resistor and a voltage amplification circuit, wherein the first end of the detection resistor and the first end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor are connected between the AC power supply and ground, and the second end of the detection resistor is connected to the second end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor.

[0058] The input terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the second terminal of the detection resistor, and the output terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit.

[0059] The first end of the detection resistor and the first end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor are connected between the AC power supply and ground. That is, one of the first ends of the detection resistor and the corresponding water inlet detection inductor is connected to the AC power supply and the other is connected to ground.

[0060] The amplification factor of the voltage amplifier circuit can be greater than 1, equal to 1, or less than 1, and can be flexibly set according to the voltage detection terminal range of the microcontroller unit.

[0061] A water ingress detection inductor is equivalent to a variable reactance element. With a fixed current frequency, its reactance is either very small (under normal conditions) or very large (when water enters the insulated water pipe). This equivalent variable reactance is connected in series with a detection resistor. By detecting the voltage across the detection resistor or the equivalent variable reactance, it can be determined whether water has entered the insulated water pipe inside the current water ingress detection inductor.

[0062] The AC voltage at the AC power supply terminal can be provided by a voltage conversion circuit. The voltage conversion circuit converts the voltage on the secondary side of the isolation transformer into the AC power supply voltage. Essentially, the voltage conversion circuit is an AC-AC converter circuit.

[0063] The microcontroller unit can sample the voltage at the voltage detection terminal and calculate the effective value. Based on whether the effective value exceeds a set threshold, it can determine whether water has entered the insulating water pipe of the current single lamp monitoring device.

[0064] An embodiment of this utility model further provides a light box water ingress detection system, comprising:

[0065] Sealed enclosure;

[0066] The aforementioned single-lamp monitoring device is installed inside the sealed enclosure;

[0067] An isolation transformer is housed within the sealed enclosure.

[0068] A pair of primary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which extends out of the sealed enclosure;

[0069] A pair of secondary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which is connected to the single-lamp monitoring device;

[0070] One or more pairs of drive wires, the first end of which is connected to the single lamp monitoring device, and the second end of which passes through the sealed housing and is used to connect to the lamp.

[0071] Waterproof glands are installed at the points where the primary side cables and drive wires exit the sealed enclosure. One waterproof gland is installed at the point where each primary side cable passes through the sealed enclosure. One waterproof gland is installed at the point where one or more drive wires are housed within the same cable (multiple drive wires within one cable) and passes through the sealed enclosure.

[0072] In some implementations, the primary connector of the isolation transformer is no lower than the opening of any one of the insulating water pipes of the single-lamp monitoring device. The primary connector serves to connect the isolation transformer and the primary side cable.

[0073] With this setup, external equipment can detect water ingress into the sealed enclosure before the primary connector of the isolation transformer is submerged, allowing for timely maintenance.

[0074] Insulating pads can be used to elevate the isolation transformer and / or the single-lamp monitoring device.

[0075] In some implementations, the single-lamp monitoring device is fixed to the bottom of the sealed enclosure. For example, it is fixed to the bottom of the sealed enclosure by adhesive. Another example is by pressing it into place.

[0076] When the communication circuit is a power line carrier communication circuit, the sealed enclosure can be a metal enclosure. When the communication circuit is a 5G communication circuit, the sealed enclosure must have a sufficient area of ​​insulating material.

[0077] The sealed enclosure can consist of a barrel-shaped part and a lid, with the connection area between the lid and the barrel-shaped part sealed with glue.

[0078] Example 1

[0079] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 and combined Figure 1 Example 1 provides a single-lamp monitoring device, whose insulating housing is in the shape of a flat cube. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The image shown is the front of the insulating housing of the single-lamp monitoring device.

[0080] The single-lamp monitoring device internally includes a power supply circuit, a microcontroller unit M, and a communication circuit C (specifically, a power line carrier communication circuit). The power supply circuit converts the AC power from the secondary side of the isolation transformer into DC power to supply the low-voltage DC circuit inside the single-lamp monitoring device. The low-voltage DC circuit contains logic control circuitry. The power supply circuit also provides AC power voltage to the conversion circuit T. The communication circuit C is used for bidirectional communication with the lighting station, receiving lighting control commands from the lighting station and providing feedback on the lamp's operating status (e.g., on, off, or faulty). The microcontroller unit M processes and executes the control commands sent by the lighting station and also determines whether the single-lamp monitoring device is currently submerged in water.

[0081] During deployment, the communication circuit C inside the single-lamp monitoring device is connected to the first end of the secondary side cables L3 and L4 via connector J1. The second end of the secondary side cables L3 and L4 is connected to the secondary side of the isolation transformer 2. The single-lamp monitoring device is connected to the first end of the drive lines L5 and L6 via connector J2. The second end of the drive lines L5 and L6 is used to connect the lamp. The lamp has only one independently controlled light-emitting element, and correspondingly, there is a pair of drive lines.

[0082] The single-lamp monitoring device also includes an insulated water pipe P, located at the bottom inside the device and integrally formed with its insulating housing. The insulated water pipe P has openings on two opposing sides of the insulating housing. The front of the insulating housing is a split design, facilitating the winding of the water inlet detection inductor L around the insulated water pipe P.

[0083] The first terminal of the water inlet detection inductor L is grounded, and the second terminal is connected to the AC power supply VCC through a detection resistor R. The voltage amplifier circuit A amplifies the voltage at the second terminal of the water inlet detection inductor L and outputs it to the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit M. If the microcontroller unit M determines that the effective value of the voltage at the voltage detection terminal is sufficiently large (i.e., indicating that water has entered the insulated water pipe P), it sends a warning signal to the lighting station through the communication circuit C.

[0084] The timer PWM output pin of the microprocessor unit M is connected to the communication circuit. The microcontroller unit M only reports to the external device through the communication circuit when it determines that water has entered the insulated water pipe.

[0085] The insulating housing is filled with sealant.

[0086] Example 2

[0087] refer to Figure 4 Except for the following technical features that differ from those of Example 1, the remaining technical features of Example 2 are the same as those of Example 1: the number of water inlet detection inductors is 3, and the corresponding number of insulating water pipes is 3, of which the openings of 2 insulating water pipes are located on two adjacent sides of the insulating shell.

[0088] Example 3

[0089] Except for the following technical features, Example 3 is the same as Example 1: the insulating water pipe and the insulating shell are separate structures, and both ends of the insulating water pipe are inserted into through holes opened on the side of the insulating shell. After the sealant cures naturally, the insulating water pipe is fixedly installed relative to the insulating shell.

[0090] Example 4

[0091] refer to Figures 1 to 3Example 4 provides a water ingress detection system for a light box, comprising: a sealed enclosure 1; a single-lamp monitoring device 3 provided in Example 1, disposed within the sealed enclosure; an isolation transformer 2, disposed within the sealed enclosure 1; a pair of primary side cables L1 and L2, the first ends of which are connected to the isolation transformer 2 (specifically connected to the primary side connector J3 of the isolation transformer 2), and the second ends of which exit the sealed enclosure 1 through a waterproof gland (not shown); a pair of secondary side cables L3 and L4, the first ends of which are connected to the isolation transformer 2, and the second ends of which are connected to the single-lamp monitoring device 3; a pair of drive lines L5 and L6, the first ends of which are connected to the single-lamp monitoring device 3, and the second ends of which exit the sealed enclosure 1, and the second ends of which are used to connect to the lamp. The lamp contains one independently controlled light-emitting element.

[0092] The single-lamp monitoring device 3 is fixed to the bottom of the sealed box 1 with its connectors J1 and J2 facing upwards.

[0093] The isolation transformer 2 is naturally placed inside the sealed enclosure 1. The primary side connector J3 of the isolation transformer 2 is at approximately the same height as the opening of the insulating water pipe P.

[0094] Example 5

[0095] Except for the following technical features, the technical features of Embodiment 5 are the same as those of Embodiment 4: The single lamp monitoring device 3 is naturally placed at the bottom of the sealed box 1 with its front facing upward. Specifically, the single lamp monitoring device 3 is raised by a pad (not shown), and the isolation transformer 2 is raised by another pad (not shown). The primary side connector of the isolation transformer 2 is higher than the opening of the insulating water pipe P of the single lamp monitoring device 3.

[0096] Example 6

[0097] refer to Figure 4 Except for the following technical features, the technical features of Embodiment 6 are the same as those of Embodiment 4: the single lamp monitoring device 3 is pasted on the bottom inner circumference of the sealed box 1 with the front horizontal orientation, and the isolation transformer 2 is raised by a pad (not shown), and the primary side connector J3 of the isolation transformer 2 is higher than the opening of any of the insulating water pipes P of the single lamp monitoring device 3.

[0098] This utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Any modifications, improvements, or substitutions that can be conceived by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential content of this utility model fall within the scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A single-lamp monitoring device, characterized in that, include: Insulating housing; One or more insulating water pipes are disposed inside the insulating housing, and both ends of the insulating water pipes communicate with the external space of the insulating housing through through holes opened on the insulating housing. The connection between the insulating water pipes and the insulating housing is sealed. One or more water inlet detection inductors are disposed inside the insulating housing and are correspondingly installed on the corresponding insulating water pipes. One or more conversion circuits are disposed inside the insulating housing and are connected one-to-one with the water inlet detection inductor coils, for converting the inductance value at both ends of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor coil into a voltage signal; A microcontroller unit is disposed within the insulating housing, and the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit is connected to the conversion circuit; A communication circuit, housed within the insulating housing and connected to the microcontroller unit, is used to communicate with external devices of the single-lamp monitoring device.

2. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The insulating housing is generally rectangular in shape. The ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2. The ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3. The two surfaces defined by the length and width directions of the insulating housing are the front and back sides. The remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side surfaces. At least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two opposite side surfaces.

3. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The insulating housing is generally rectangular in shape. The ratio of the length to the width of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to 2. The ratio of the width to the height of the insulating housing is greater than or equal to 3. The two surfaces defined by the length and width directions of the insulating housing are the front and back sides. The remaining four surfaces of the insulating housing are its side surfaces. At least one end of the insulating water pipe is located at two connected side surfaces.

4. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The insulated water pipe can be a rigid pipe or a flexible pipe.

5. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The insulated water pipe and the insulated shell are integrally formed.

6. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The insulating housing is filled with sealant.

7. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The conversion circuit includes a detection resistor and a voltage amplification circuit. The first end of the detection resistor and the first end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor are connected between the AC power supply and ground. The second end of the detection resistor is connected to the second end of the corresponding water inlet detection inductor. The input terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the second terminal of the detection resistor, and the output terminal of the voltage amplifier circuit is connected to the voltage detection terminal of the microcontroller unit.

8. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The communication circuit is a power line carrier communication circuit or a wireless communication circuit.

9. The single lamp monitoring device of claim 1, wherein, The timer PWM output pin of the microcontroller is connected to the communication circuit.

10. A water ingress detection system for a light box, characterized in that, include: Sealed enclosure; The single-lamp monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is disposed within the sealed enclosure; An isolation transformer is housed within the sealed enclosure. A pair of primary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which extends out of the sealed enclosure; A pair of secondary side cables, the first end of which is connected to the isolation transformer, and the second end of which is connected to the single-lamp monitoring device; One or more pairs of driving lines, a first end of the driving lines being connected to the single lamp monitoring device, a second end of the driving lines being led out of the sealed box, the second end of the driving lines being used for connecting a lamp.

Images