A sound and light alarm device for foreign matter intrusion in a distribution box

Abstract

A foreign object intrusion audible and visual alarm device for a power distribution box includes a control unit, a multi-sensor module, an audible and visual alarm module, a power management module, and a wireless communication module. The multi-sensor module is electrically connected to the control unit. The audible and visual alarm module is also electrically connected to the control unit. The power management module is electrically connected to the control unit, the multi-sensor module, the audible and visual alarm module, and the wireless communication module. The wireless communication module is also electrically connected to the control unit. The multi-sensor module includes an infrared beam sensor array, a microwave radar sensor, and a pressure-sensitive thin film. This invention aims to solve the problems of untimely, inaccurate, and high false alarm rates in existing power distribution box foreign object detection systems. It provides a device capable of real-time, accurate, and reliable monitoring of foreign object intrusion within the power distribution box and timely issuance of audible and visual alarms, thereby ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power distribution box and reducing the risk of power failures caused by foreign object intrusion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power facility safety protection technology, specifically to an audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box. Background Technology

[0002] In power systems, distribution boxes are crucial electrical facilities, and their safe and stable operation directly affects the reliability of power supply. However, distribution boxes are susceptible to the intrusion of foreign objects during operation, such as tools, metal fragments, insects, and small animals. These foreign objects may cause short circuits, equipment damage, and other electrical faults, and in severe cases, even lead to safety accidents.

[0003] There are two main methods for detecting foreign objects in existing distribution boxes: one is traditional manual inspection, which relies on people periodically opening the distribution box door and visually observing and judging foreign objects. This method consumes a lot of manpower and time, and cannot detect the moment of foreign object intrusion in time, resulting in a significant lag and making it difficult to take effective preventive measures before a fault occurs; the other is a single sensor monitoring scheme, such as relying solely on infrared beam sensors, which are easily affected by factors such as ambient light interference and dust obstruction, resulting in false alarms or missed alarms; using only pressure sensors is difficult to detect lighter foreign objects or foreign objects that are not in direct contact with the bottom of the box, the monitoring range is limited, and it is impossible to comprehensively and accurately monitor the intrusion of foreign objects, resulting in insufficient reliability and difficulty in adapting to complex operating environments. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention aims to solve the problems of untimely, inaccurate, and high false alarm rates in existing foreign object monitoring of distribution boxes. It provides a device that can monitor the intrusion of foreign objects into the distribution box in real time, accurately, and reliably, and issue audible and visual alarms in a timely manner, so as to ensure the safe and stable operation of the distribution box and reduce the risk of power failure caused by foreign object intrusion.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A foreign object intrusion audible and visual alarm device for a power distribution box, characterized in that it includes a control unit, a multi-sensor module, an audible and visual alarm module, a power management module, and a wireless communication module; the multi-sensor module is electrically connected to the control unit; the audible and visual alarm module is electrically connected to the control unit; the power management module is electrically connected to the control unit, the multi-sensor module, the audible and visual alarm module, and the wireless communication module respectively; the wireless communication module is electrically connected to the control unit; the multi-sensor module includes an infrared beam sensor array, a microwave radar sensor, and a pressure-sensitive thin film.

[0007] Furthermore, the control unit is an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller, which has a built-in false alarm prevention algorithm, including moving average filtering and multi-level decision logic.

[0008] Furthermore, the infrared beam sensor array consists of multiple infrared emitting diodes and corresponding infrared receiving diodes. The control pins of the infrared emitting diodes are connected to the control unit, and the infrared receiving diodes are connected to the control unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the microwave radar sensor is either a digital signal output type or an analog signal output type. The signal output pin of the digital signal output type microwave radar sensor is connected to the GPIO pin of the control unit, and the signal output pin of the analog signal output type microwave radar sensor is connected to the ADC module of the control unit.

[0010] Furthermore, the pressure-sensing diaphragm adopts a grid structure, with each grid independently outputting a pressure signal, and the pressure-sensing diaphragm is connected to the control unit.

[0011] Furthermore, the audible and visual alarm module includes multiple LEDs and a 90dB piezoelectric buzzer, and the outer shell of the audible and visual alarm module is made of flame-retardant PC material and a silicone sealing ring.

[0012] Furthermore, the power management module has a dual power supply, with the main power supply being an AC220V to DC12V switching power supply and the backup power supply consisting of multiple lithium batteries connected in parallel. The backup power supply is switched with the main power supply via a diode controller.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model can accurately and in real-time monitor the intrusion of foreign objects into the distribution box, effectively reducing the false alarm rate; it can quickly respond and issue a directional audible and visual alarm the moment a foreign object intrudes, promptly reminding on-site personnel to pay attention; it can realize remote monitoring and management with the help of wireless communication function, greatly improving the efficiency and safety of distribution box operation and maintenance; its modular structure has strong adaptability and can be widely used in various standard distribution boxes, providing an efficient and reliable solution for the safety protection of power facilities. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the process of this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. Distribution box; 2. Infrared transmitter; 3. Microwave radar sensor; 4. Audible and visual alarm module; 5. Wireless communication module; 6. Remote terminal; 7. Main power supply; 8. Backup power supply; 9. Control unit; 10. Infrared receiver; 11. Pressure sensing film; 12. Diode controller. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] A foreign object intrusion audible and visual alarm device for a power distribution box includes a control unit 9, a multi-sensor module, an audible and visual alarm module 4, a power management module, and a wireless communication module 5.

[0020] Control unit 9 uses an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller, which incorporates a false alarm prevention algorithm, including moving average filtering and multi-level decision logic. Moving average filtering smooths data collected from multiple sensors, reducing noise interference; the multi-level decision mechanism accurately determines the type and state of foreign object intrusion through logical analysis of multi-dimensional data, such as the intrusion of a live animal or the accumulation of solid foreign objects, effectively reducing the false alarm rate and improving monitoring accuracy.

[0021] The multi-sensor module includes an infrared beam sensor array, a microwave radar sensor 3, and a pressure-sensing film 11.

[0022] The infrared beam sensor array includes multiple infrared emitting tubes 2 and their corresponding infrared receiving tubes 10. The control pins of the infrared emitting tubes 2 are connected to an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller. The microcontroller controls the flashing frequency of the emitting tubes by outputting a 38kHz PWM signal to the control pins. The infrared receiving tubes 10 are connected to the microcontroller. The microcontroller detects the frequency and pulse width of the output signal of the receiving tube through an external interrupt function or a timer capture function. When a signal with the same frequency as the emission is received, it is determined that the infrared beam is not blocked; otherwise, it is determined that there is a foreign object blocking it. This array uses infrared signals of specific wavelengths and frequencies to form a high-density detection light curtain, which can effectively identify small foreign objects.

[0023] The microwave radar sensor 3 is connected to a microcontroller. For sensors with digital signal output, the microcontroller configures the corresponding GPIO pins as input modes and reads the level changes of the pins. When a pin level transitions from low to high, it indicates that a moving object has been detected. For sensors with analog signal output, the microcontroller samples the analog signal through an ADC module and compares the sampled value with a set threshold. If the value exceeds the threshold, it indicates that a moving object has been detected. This sensor is based on the Doppler effect and can detect the speed and direction of moving objects. Combined with a spectrum analysis algorithm, it can distinguish between live animals and other foreign objects.

[0024] A pressure-sensing diaphragm 11 is laid at the bottom of the distribution box in a grid structure, with each grid independently outputting a pressure signal. The pressure-sensing diaphragm 11 is connected to a microcontroller, which periodically samples the analog signal output by each grid through an ADC module. Based on the sampled voltage value and a pre-calibrated pressure-voltage curve, the microcontroller calculates the pressure on each grid, thereby determining whether a foreign object has fallen to the bottom of the box and the approximate location and weight of the foreign object.

[0025] The audible and visual alarm module 4 includes an optical component and an acoustic component. The optical component consists of a triangular array of three high-brightness LEDs, capable of flashing at different frequencies. The acoustic component uses a 90dB piezoelectric buzzer. When foreign object intrusion is detected, the microcontroller controls the module to quickly activate the directional audible and visual alarm, ensuring high visibility and high audible perception in the special environment of the distribution box. The module housing is made of flame-retardant PC material and a silicone sealing ring, achieving an IP65 protection rating and adapting to the complex environment inside the distribution box.

[0026] The power management module provides dual power supplies, one for main power and one for backup power. The main power supply 7 is an AC220V to DC12V switching power supply, which draws power from the AC220V power interface inside the distribution box and converts the AC power to the DC power required by each module through an AC / DC conversion circuit. The backup power supply 8 consists of three 18650 lithium batteries connected in parallel and achieves fast and seamless switching with the main power supply 7 through a diode controller 12, ensuring that the device can continue to work after a power outage.

[0027] The wireless communication module 5 is electrically connected to the control unit 9 and supports both 4G / NB-IoT and LoRa transmission schemes. It is used to transmit alarm information and monitoring data to remote terminals, so that maintenance personnel can view alarm records in real time and remotely adjust relevant parameters through mobile APP or monitoring platform to achieve remote monitoring and management.

[0028] The device in this embodiment collects information from different dimensions through multiple sensors. After being processed by the intelligent algorithm of the control unit 9, it can accurately determine the intrusion of foreign objects and promptly issue alarms through the sound and light alarm module 4 and the wireless communication module 5, effectively ensuring the safe operation of the power distribution box and improving maintenance efficiency.

[0029] The operation of the foreign object intrusion audible and visual alarm device in this distribution box revolves around four stages: "real-time monitoring - intelligent analysis - alarm response - remote linkage." Each module works in concert to achieve precise prevention and control of foreign object intrusion throughout the entire process. The specific steps are as follows:

[0030] S1. After the system initialization and parameter configuration device is powered on, it first enters the initialization phase:

[0031] S11. The power management module prioritizes powering the control unit 9, multi-sensor module, audible and visual alarm module 4, and wireless communication module 5 through the main power supply 7 (AC220V to DC12V switching power supply). At the same time, it float-charges the backup power supply 8 (three 18650 lithium batteries). The diode controller 12 monitors the status of the main power supply 7 in real time to ensure seamless switching to the backup power supply 8 in the event of a power outage.

[0032] S12. Sensor Self-Test: Control Unit 9 (STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller) sends a self-test command to the multi-sensor module:

[0033] Infrared beam sensor array: The transmitting tube outputs a 38kHz PWM signal, and the receiving tube feeds back the signal frequency to confirm that the optical path is unobstructed and the signal is stable;

[0034] Microwave radar sensor 3: outputs a reference signal, and control unit 9 detects whether the signal is within the normal threshold range through the ADC module or GPIO pin;

[0035] Pressure sensing film 11: Each grid outputs the initial voltage value, and the control unit 9 records the baseline data to eliminate temperature drift error.

[0036] S13. Parameter loading: The control unit 9 calls preset parameters, including infrared sensor sensitivity, microwave radar detection threshold, minimum detection weight of pressure membrane (8g), alarm triggering conditions (such as foreign object duration > 0.5s), etc., and synchronizes them to the remote monitoring platform through the wireless communication module 5.

[0037] S2. After the multi-dimensional foreign object monitoring and data acquisition initialization is completed, the system enters the real-time monitoring state, and the multi-sensor modules continuously collect information from different dimensions inside the distribution box:

[0038] S21. Infrared beam sensor array monitoring: The transmitting tube continuously emits an infrared beam at a frequency of 38kHz, forming a high-density light curtain covering door gaps and ventilation openings;

[0039] The receiving tube receives the light beam in real time, and the control unit 9 detects the signal frequency and pulse width through the external interrupt function: if the signal is interrupted (such as by a foreign object), the obstruction time and location are recorded immediately (by locating the corresponding transmitter-receiver pair in the array).

[0040] S22. Microwave Radar Sensor 3 Monitoring: Based on the Doppler effect, it continuously emits microwave signals to detect the speed and direction of moving objects (such as mice and birds) inside the box;

[0041] If it is a digital output sensor, the control unit 9 detects level transitions (low → high) through the GPIO pin; if it is an analog output sensor, it samples the signal strength through the ADC module, and determines that a moving object has intruded when the signal strength exceeds the set threshold.

[0042] S23. Pressure sensing membrane 11 monitoring: The gridded membrane senses the pressure change at the bottom of the box in real time, and each grid outputs an analog signal independently; the control unit 9 periodically samples through the ADC module (sampling frequency 10Hz) and calculates the pressure value of each grid by combining the pressure-voltage curve: when the pressure of a grid is ≥8g and the duration is >0.1s, it is determined that a solid foreign object (such as a tool or metal fragment) has fallen.

[0043] S3. Intelligent Algorithm Analysis and Foreign Object Detection: The control unit 9 fuses data from multiple sensors and determines the type and status of foreign objects through a built-in anti-false alarm algorithm (moving average filtering and multi-level decision logic).

[0044] S31. Moving average filtering: Smooths infrared blocking signals, microwave signal strength, and pressure values, eliminating false triggers caused by transient interference (such as dust drifting by or electromagnetic noise).

[0045] S32. Multi-level decision logic:

[0046] Level 1 Judgment: When a single sensor is triggered (e.g., only infrared is blocked), check for interference factors (e.g., strong direct light causing infrared signal attenuation) by combining environmental parameters (e.g., light intensity, temperature inside the chamber).

[0047] Secondary judgment: When two or more sensors are triggered simultaneously (such as infrared blocking and microwave moving object detection), cross-verification of the presence of foreign objects is performed (such as a mouse being detected by microwaves while passing through a light curtain).

[0048] Level 3 Judgment: Classify foreign object types based on data characteristics: If the microwave signal detects continuous movement and the infrared signal is frequently blocked → it is judged as "live animal intrusion"; if the pressure membrane detects stable pressure and the infrared signal is unblocked (foreign object falls from the top) → it is judged as "solid foreign object accumulation".

[0049] S4. Alarm Response and Remote Linkage: Upon detection of foreign object intrusion, control unit 9 immediately activates the alarm mechanism and simultaneously links with the remote terminal:

[0050] S41. Sound and light alarm trigger: The control unit 9 sends a command to the sound and light alarm module 4, and the triangular array composed of three high-brightness LEDs flashes at a preset frequency (such as fast flashing when a living object invades and slow flashing when a solid foreign object is present), and the 90dB piezoelectric buzzer emits an intermittent alarm sound.

[0051] Because the casing is made of flame-retardant PC material and silicone sealing rings (IP65 protection), the alarm signal can penetrate the distribution box, ensuring that on-site personnel can quickly detect it.

[0052] S42. Remote data transmission: The wireless communication module 5 (supports 4G / NB-IoT / LoRa) packages the alarm information in JSON format, including information such as the type of foreign object, the time of occurrence, sensor trigger data, and box number, and pushes it to the mobile APP of the maintenance personnel and the monitoring platform; the remote terminal can display alarm details in real time and supports the transmission of control commands (such as remotely turning off the alarm sound and adjusting the sensor sensitivity).

[0053] S5. Error handling and system reset;

[0054] S51. Reset after foreign object removal: If the on-site personnel remove the foreign object and the multi-sensor module detects that the signal has returned to normal (such as the infrared light path is unobstructed and the pressure value returns to the baseline), the control unit 9 will automatically stop the audible and visual alarm after continuous monitoring for 30 seconds without any abnormalities, and send a "fault cleared" notification to the remote terminal.

[0055] S52. Power failure handling: If the main power supply 7 fails, the backup power supply 8 will immediately switch power supply (switching time < 10ms) to ensure the system continues to work. At the same time, the wireless communication module 5 will send a "power failure" warning to remind maintenance personnel to perform maintenance.

[0056] Through the above process, this device achieves fully automated processing from foreign object intrusion to alarm response, taking into account real-time performance, accuracy and reliability, and effectively improving the operation and maintenance efficiency of the distribution box.

[0057] The embodiments described in this specification are merely examples of implementations of the inventive concept. The scope of protection of this utility model should not be considered as limited to the specific forms described in the embodiments. The scope of protection of this utility model also extends to equivalent technical means that can be conceived by those skilled in the art based on the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A foreign object intrusion audible and visual alarm device for a distribution box, characterized in that, It includes a control unit, a multi-sensor module, an audible and visual alarm module, a power management module, and a wireless communication module; the multi-sensor module is electrically connected to the control unit; the audible and visual alarm module is electrically connected to the control unit; the power management module is electrically connected to the control unit, the multi-sensor module, the audible and visual alarm module, and the wireless communication module respectively; the wireless communication module is electrically connected to the control unit; the multi-sensor module includes an infrared beam sensor array, a microwave radar sensor, and a pressure-sensing film.

2. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control unit is an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller. The microcontroller has a built-in false alarm prevention algorithm, which includes moving average filtering and multi-level decision logic.

3. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infrared beam sensor array consists of multiple infrared emitting diodes and corresponding infrared receiving diodes. The control pins of the infrared emitting diodes are connected to the control unit, and the infrared receiving diodes are connected to the control unit.

4. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microwave radar sensor can be either a digital signal output type or an analog signal output type. The signal output pin of the digital signal output type microwave radar sensor is connected to the GPIO pin of the control unit, while the signal output pin of the analog signal output type microwave radar sensor is connected to the ADC module of the control unit.

5. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure-sensing diaphragm adopts a grid structure, with each grid independently outputting a pressure signal. The pressure-sensing diaphragm is connected to the control unit.

6. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The audible and visual alarm module includes multiple LEDs and a 90dB piezoelectric buzzer. The outer shell of the audible and visual alarm module is made of flame-retardant PC material and a silicone sealing ring.

7. The audible and visual alarm device for foreign object intrusion in a distribution box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power management module has a dual power supply, with the main power supply being an AC220V to DC12V switching power supply and the backup power supply consisting of multiple lithium batteries connected in parallel. The backup power supply is switched with the main power supply via a diode controller.

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