Voltage detection device and method thereof

Abstract

A voltage detection device and a method are disclosed. The voltage detection device comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter. The LCD shutter is configured to selectively alternate between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter blocks the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter. Further, the voltage detection device comprises a sensor plate positioned to receive the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter. Further, the voltage detection device comprises a converter configured to convert the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within a source.

Description

Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1VOLTAGE DETECTION DEVICE AND METHOD THEREOFRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Indian Patent Application Number 202411076258 filed October 8, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relates to a detection of electrical properties, and more particularly relates to a voltage detection device and a method for non-contact detection of voltage.BACKGROUND

[0003] Non-contact DC voltage detection is essential in various industrial and scientific applications. Techniques such as rotating vane electric field mills, vibrating plate Kelvin probes, electrically variable capacitors (varactor diodes), and optical techniques based on Pockel's effect predominantly serve as non-contact static charge meters. Conventional meters typically operate at a fixed distance from a charged plate and are more suited for static charge measurement rather than true non-contact voltage detection. Such limitation restricts versatility and adaptability of the techniques, particularly in dynamic measurement conditions where variable distances are necessary. The non-contact DC voltage detection face challenges related to operational longevity, noise levels, power consumption, and size. Further, mechanical components like rotating vanes are prone to wear and tear, and thus results in reducing lifespan of non-contact DC voltage detection devices. Additionally, the mechanical components and electronic components can introduce noise, and thus result in compromising voltage measurement accuracy. High power consumption makes the non-contact DC voltage detection less suitable for portable or remote sensing applications.

[0004] The inventors have identified numerous areas of improvement in the existing technologies and processes, which are the subjects of embodiments described herein. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these deficiencies, challenges, and problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, some examples of which are described in detail herein.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview and isDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0006] In an example embodiment, a voltage detection device is disclosed. The voltage detection device comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter adapted to be positioned in proximity to a source having a direct current (DC) voltage generating a static electric field. The LCD shutter is configured to selectively alternate between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter blocks the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter. The voltage detection device further comprises a sensor plate positioned to receive the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter. Further, the voltage detection device comprises a converter communicatively coupled to the sensor plate. The converter is configured to convert the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within the source.

[0007] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device further comprises an analog-to- digital converter (ADC) communicatively coupled to the converter. The ADC is configured to digitize the voltage signal corresponding to the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

[0008] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device further comprises at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the ADC. The at least one microcontroller is configured to filter frequency components from the digitized voltage signal around a predefined center frequency of the LCD shutter via a digital filter, to generate a filtered voltage signal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller is configured to compare a value of the filtered voltage signal with a predefined threshold value. The at least one microcontroller is further configured to generate an alarm signal based at least on the comparison.

[0010] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device further comprises an alarm unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller. The alarm unit is configured to trigger an alarm based at least on the generated alarm signal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the predefined center frequency corresponds to an LCD shutter drive frequency having a range of 100 hertz - 2 kilohertz.

[0012] In some embodiments, distance between the LCD shutter and the sensor plate is adapted to be varied mechanically for different sensitivities and has a range of 1-20 millimeters.Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1

[0013] In some embodiments, the LCD shutter is periodically driven by the voltage signal that changes polarization of the LCD shutter such that the static electrical field is blocked and unblocked as the LCD shutter is driven.

[0014] In some embodiments, the sensor plate is configured to get charged or discharged based at least on the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

[0015] In some embodiments, the source corresponds to at least one of a DC charged particle, charged cloud, or high voltage DC lines.

[0016] In some embodiments, the converter corresponds to at least one of a transimpedance amplifier or a current-to voltage (I / V) converter.

[0017] In another example embodiment, a method is disclosed. The method comprises steps of selectively alternating a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter positioned in proximity to a source having a direct current (DC) voltage generating a static electric field between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter blocks the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter. The method further comprises the steps of receiving, via a sensor plate, the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter, such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter. The method further comprises the steps of converting, via a converter communicatively coupled to the sensor plate, the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within the source.

[0018] The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Having thus described certain example embodiments of the present disclosure in general terms, reference will hereinafter be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a voltage detection device in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1

[0021] FIG. 2A illustrates a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter in a polarized state in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 2B illustrates the LCD shutter in a non-polarized state in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart showing a method to measure a DC voltage present within a source in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of an LCD shutter showing a non-polarized state of the LCD shutter in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0025] FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of an LCD shutter showing a polarized state of the LCD shutter in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Some embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. Indeed, various embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements.

[0027] The components illustrated in the figures represent components that may or may not be present in various embodiments of the invention described herein such that embodiments may include fewer or more components than those shown in the figures while not departing from the scope of the invention. Some components may be omitted from one or more figures or shown in dashed line for visibility of the underlying components.

[0028] As used herein, the term “comprising” means including but not limited to and should be interpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.

[0029] The phrases “in various embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” and the like generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment).Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1

[0030] The word “example” or “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0031] If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,” “optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that a specific component or feature is not required to be included or to have the characteristic. Such a component or feature may be optionally included in some embodiments or it may be excluded.

[0032] The present disclosure provides various embodiments of a voltage detection device. Embodiments may be configured to selectively alternate between a polarized state in which an LCD shutter blocks a static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter. Further, embodiments may be configured to receive the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter in a sensor plate such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter. Further, embodiments may be configured to convert the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within a source.

[0033] Embodiments may be further configured to digitize the voltage signal corresponding to the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter. Further, embodiments may be configured to filter frequency components from the digitized voltage signal around a predefined center frequency. Further, embodiments may be configured to generate a filtered voltage signal. Embodiments may be further configured to compare a value of the filtered voltage signal with a predefined threshold value. Embodiments may be further configured to generate an alarm signal based at least on the comparison. Further, embodiments may be configured to trigger an alarm based at least on the generated alarm signal. Embodiments may be further configured to get charged or discharged based at least on the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates a system diagram of a voltage detection device 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A illustrates a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter 102 in a polarized state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2B illustrates the LCD shutter in a non-polarized state, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may comprise the LCD shutter 102, a sensor plate 104, a converter 106, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 108, a microcontroller 110, an alarm unit 112, and a drive electronics 114. The voltage detectionDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 device 100 may correspond to a direct current (DC) voltage detection device. The voltage detection device 100 may detect and indicate a presence of a DC voltage in a source. The source may correspond to an electrical source. The voltage detection device 100 may correspond to a non-contact DC voltage detection device. The voltage detection device 100 may detect the presence of the DC voltage without making direct electrical contact with the source. The presence of the DC voltage may be found, for example, in battery-powered devices, solar panels, or high-voltage systems.

[0036] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may be used in industrial and residential settings. The voltage detection device 100 may detect the presence of the DC voltage in a DC system. When the voltage detection device 100 may be placed in proximity to the source, the voltage detection device 100 may detect electromagnetic field around the source. The voltage detection device 100 may be used by a user to ensure that a circuit may be deenergized before performing repairs or maintenance in the DC system. The user may correspond to electricians and maintenance workers. In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may be further configured to verify whether the circuit is live before performing the repairs or the maintenance in the DC system. The voltage detection device 100 may be further configured to identify faults in the circuit.

[0037] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may comprise the LCD shutter 102. The LCD shutter 102 may be adapted to be positioned in proximity to the source having the DC voltage generating the static electric field. The LCD shutter 102 may be configured to selectively alternate between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter may block the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field may pass through the LCD shutter 102. In the polarized state, a voltage is applied to the LCD shutter 102. In the polarized state, liquid crystals of the LCD shutter 102 may align in a specific manner (as shown in FIG. 4B) and may allow the LCD shutter 102 to block the static electric field. In the nonpolarized state, no voltage is applied to the LCD shutter 102. In the non-polarized state, the liquid crystals may return to the natural state (as shown in FIG. 4A) and may allow the static electric field to pass through the LCD shutter.

[0038] In some embodiments, the LCD shutter 102 may be configured to detect the static electric field around a surface of the source. The source may generate the static electric field. The LCD shutter 102 may be further configured to convert the static electrical field generated by the source into an alternating field by passing the static electric field through an altematingly polarized and non-polarized medium of the LCD shutter 102. The source may correspond to at least one of a DC charged particle, charged cloud, or high voltage DC lines. In someDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 embodiments, the LCD shutter 102 may comprise a layer of liquid crystals sandwiched between a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of polarizing filters. The plurality of electrodes may correspond to two transparent electrodes. The liquid crystals may have unique properties that may allow the liquid crystals to change orientation when the static electric field is applied.

[0039] In some embodiments, by selectively alternating the LCD shutter 102 between the polarized state and the non-polarized state, an alternating electric field is created. The alternating electric field may induce an alternating current (AC) in a sensor plate 104 without making direct contact with the source. The sensor plate 104 may be positioned behind the LCD shutter 102 (i.e., such that the LCD shutter 102 is between the sensor plate 104 and the source when the device 100 is pointed at the source). The sensor plate may be positioned to receive the static electric field that may altematingly pass through the LCD shutter 102 such that the AC may be induced in the sensor plate 104 by the static electric field that may altematingly pass through the LCD shutter 102.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sensor plate 104 may be charged and discharged based at least on the alternating electric field to induce the AC in the sensor plate 104. When the LCD shutter 102 is in the non-polarized state, the static electric field may pass through and reach the sensor plate 104 (as shown in FIG. 2B). The non-polarized state of the LCD shutter 102 may cause the sensor plate 104 to be charged by the static electric field. Further, when the LCD shutter 102 is in the polarized state, the LCD shutter 102 may block the static electric field reaching the sensor plate 104 (as shown in FIG.2 A). The polarized state of the LCD shutter 102 may cause the sensor plate 104 to be discharged as the sensor plate 104 is not exposed to the static electric field. In some embodiments, the sensor plate 104 may alternate between charging and discharging. The alternation between charging and discharging the sensor plate 104 may be driven by periodic switching of the LCD shutter 102 between the polarized state and the non-polarized state. The periodic switching of the LCD shutter 102 may result in the creation of the AC.

[0041] In some embodiments, distance between the LCD shutter 102 and the sensor plate 104 may be defined by a distance (d) that may be adapted to be varied mechanically for different sensitivities. The distance (d) may have a range, for example, of 1-20 millimeter (mm). By adjusting the distance (d), the voltage detection device 100 may be tuned to the different sensitivities for detecting the static electric field. In some embodiments, by increasing or decreasing the distance (d), strength of the alternating electric field at the sensor plate 104 may change. When the sensor plate 104 is closer to the LCD shutter 102, the alternating electric field's strength at the sensor plate 104 may be higher. The higher alternating electric field'sDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 strength may result in a stronger induced AC. When the sensor plate 104 is farther away from the LCD shutter 102, the alternating electric field's strength at the sensor plate 104 may be reduced. The reduced alternating electric field's strength may result in a weaker induced AC.

[0042] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may further comprise a converter 106. The converter 106 may be communicatively coupled to the sensor plate 104. In some embodiments, the induced AC signal on the sensor plate 104 may be transmitted to the converter 106. The converter 106 may be configured to convert the AC into a voltage signal for measuring the DC voltage present within the source. The converter 106 may correspond to at least one of a transimpedance amplifier or a current-to voltage (I / V) converter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the LCD shutter 102 may be periodically driven by a voltage signal that may change polarization of the LCD shutter 102 such that the static electrical field may be blocked and unblocked as the LCD shutter 102 is driven. The voltage signal may control the polarization state of the liquid crystals within the LCD shutter 102. The voltage signal may alter alignment of the liquid crystals. The voltage signal may change the orientation of the liquid crystals and may switch between the polarized state and the non-polarized state. In some embodiments, when the LCD shutter 102 is in the polarized state, the sensor plate 104 may not receive the static electric field and the AC may not be induced in the sensor plate 104. In some embodiments, when the LCD shutter 102 is in the non-polarized state, the sensor plate 104 may be exposed to the static electric field and may induce the AC in the sensor plate 104.

[0044] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may further comprise an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 108 communicatively coupled to the converter 106. The ADC 108 may be configured to digitize the voltage signal corresponding to the static electric field that may alternatingly pass through the LCD shutter 102. The voltage signal may correspond to an analog signal. The ADC 108 may receive the converted voltage signal. The ADC 108 may further convert the voltage signal into a digital signal. The process of converting the analog signal into the digital signal is known as digitization.

[0045] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may further comprise at least one microcontroller 110. The at least one microcontroller 110 may be communicatively coupled to the ADC 108. The at least one microcontroller 110 may be configured to filter frequency components from the digitized voltage signal around a predefined center frequency of the LCD shutter 102 via a digital filter to generate a filtered voltage signal. In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller 110 may be configured to receive the digitized voltage signal from the ADC 108. Once the voltage signal is digitized by the ADC 108, the digital signal may be processed by the at least one microcontroller 110 in the voltage detectionDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 device 100. The at least one microcontroller 110 may isolate the frequency components corresponding to the DC voltage of the source.

[0046] In some embodiments, the digitized voltage signal may contain multiple frequency components. Some of the multiple frequency components may be related to the periodic switching of LCD shutter 102. The LCD shutter 102 may modulate the static electric field at the predefined center frequency (denoted as Fr). The predefined center frequency may correspond to how often the LCD shutter 102 may alternate between blocking and unblocking the static electric field. The at least one microcontroller 110 may be further configured to filter out noise and irrelevant frequencies.

[0047] In some embodiments, the digital filter may be configured to isolate the frequency components of the digitized voltage signal around the predefined center frequency (Fr). The predefined center frequency may correspond to an LCD shutter drive frequency. The predefined center frequency may have a range of, for example, 100 hertz - 2 kilohertz. The digital filter may be configured to pass the relevant frequency components and eliminate the irrelevant frequency components. The irrelevant frequency components may comprise high- frequency noise or unrelated signals.

[0048] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller 110 may be further configured to compare a value of the filtered voltage signal with a predefined threshold value. Once the voltage signal is filtered to isolate the frequency components of the digitized voltage signal, the at least one microcontroller 110 may compare the value of the filtered voltage signal to the predefined threshold value. The predefined threshold value may correspond to a preset voltage limit. The filtered voltage signal may correspond to pure DC voltage signal present within the source.

[0049] In some embodiments, the drive electronics 114 may be configured to provide periodic voltage signal to the LCD shutter 102. The LCD shutter 102 may be periodically driven by the voltage signal that may change polarization of the LCD shutter 102 such that the static electrical field may be blocked and unblocked as the LCD shutter 102 is driven, via the drive electronics 114. The voltage signal may cause the LCD shutter 102 to alternate between the polarized state and the non-polarized state.

[0050] In some embodiments, the at least one microcontroller 110 is further configured to generate an alarm signal based at least on the comparison. If the filtered voltage signal exceeds or falls below the predefined threshold value, the at least one microcontroller 110 may generate an alarm signal. This alarm signal may correspond to an indicator that the voltage detected within the source may be too high or too low.Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1

[0051] In some embodiments, the voltage detection device 100 may further comprise an alarm unit 112. The alarm unit 112 may be communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller 110. The alarm unit 112 may be configured to trigger an alarm based at least on the generated alarm signal. The alarm unit 112 may receive the alarm signal generated by the at least one microcontroller 110 if the filtered voltage signal exceeds or falls below the predefined threshold value. Upon receiving the alarm signal, the alarm unit 112 may be configured to trigger the alarm. The alarm may comprise an audible alarm, a visual alarm, or both. The audible alarm may comprise a buzzer. The visual alarm may comprise an LED light. The alarm may alert a user to a voltage condition.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 300 showing a method to measure the DC voltage present within the source, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] At operation 302, the voltage detection device 100 is switched on such that the at least one microcontroller 110 powers up and the starts driving the LCD shutter 102 with a frequency component. In some embodiments, when the voltage detection device 100 is switched on, the at least one microcontroller 110 may power up, and may initiate operation of the voltage detection device 100. The at least one microcontroller 110 may be configured to control the LCD shutter 102 by providing the LCD shutter 102 with the LCD shutter drive frequency via the drive electronics ###. The LCD shutter drive frequency may control the periodic switching of the LCD shutter 102 between the polarized state and the non-polarized state. The static electric field generated by the source may be either allowed to pass through or blocked by the LCD shutter 102.

[0054] At operation 304, the voltage detection device 100 is brought within the proximity of the source whose voltage need to be checked. In some embodiments, when the voltage detection device 100 is brought close to the source, the static electric field generated by the source may begin to interact with the voltage detection device 100. The proximity of the voltage detection device 100 to the static electric field may enable the LCD shutter 102 to interact with the static electric field without any physical contact. Further, the AC may be induced in the sensor plate 104 by the static electric field that may altematingly pass through the LCD shutter 102.

[0055] At operation 306, the AC induced on the sensor plate 104 by the alternating electric field, is converted into the voltage signal via the converter 106. The voltage signal may be then sent to the ADC 108, where the voltage signal may be digitized. At operation 308, the digitized voltage signal is filtered and the amplitude of the frequency component is measured. In some embodiments, the digital filter may filter the digitized voltage signal around the predefinedDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 center frequency of the LCD shutter. The predefined center frequency may correspond to the LCD shutter drive frequency. The predefined center frequency may correspond to periodic polarization and depolarization of the LCD shutter 102. In some embodiments, by using the digital filter, the voltage detection device 100 may separate the frequency components from noise or irrelevant frequency components. Further, the amplitude of the frequency components may be measured.

[0056] At operation 310, the signal value is displayed for the measurement type of the voltage detection device 100 or compared against the predefined threshold value for actuating the alarm unit 112. In one example, the voltage signal value may be displayed to provide real-time voltage readings. The real-time voltage readings may allow the user to monitor the DC voltage without making direct contact with the source. In another example, the at least one microcontroller 110 may compare the filtered voltage signal with the predefined threshold value. The predefined threshold value may represent a voltage level which, when exceeded, may indicate potential danger or operational limits. Further, the at least one microcontroller 110 may generate the alarm based at least on the comparison between the filtered voltage signal and the predefined threshold value.

[0057] FIG. 4 A illustrates an exploded view of the LCD shutter 102 showing the non-polarized state of the LCD shutter 102, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of the LCD shutter 102 showing the polarized state of the LCD shutter 102, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] In some embodiments, the LCD shutter 102 may correspond to a twisted nematic LCD. The LCD shutter 102 may comprise an output polarizer 400. The output polarizer 400 may filter light after the light passes through the liquid crystals and may determine whether the light may pass through or be blocked, depending on the orientation of the liquid crystals. Further, the LCD shutter 102 may comprise a plurality of polarizers. The plurality of polarizers may correspond to a Pl polarizer 402 and a P2 polarizer 404. The plurality of polarizers may correspond to polarizing layers placed at top and bottom of the liquid crystals. The plurality of polarizers may be configured to control light passing through the LCD shutter 102. The Pl polarizer 402 may correspond to a top polarizer and may be set at a specific angle to align or block the light. Further, the P2 polarizer 404 may correspond to a bottom polarizer and may be aligned perpendicularly to the Pl polarizer 402.

[0059] In some embodiments, the LCD shutter 102 may further comprise a plurality of glass substrates 406. The plurality of glass substrates 406 may house the liquid crystals. The pluralityDocket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 of glass substrates 406 may be configured to provide structural support and may allow the light to pass through. Further, the LCD shutter 102 may further comprise the liquid crystals 408. In some embodiments, when no voltage is applied, the liquid crystals 408 may be twisted, and may allow the light to pass through (as shown in FIG. 4A).

[0060] Further, the LCD shutter 102 may further comprise a plurality of electrodes 410. The plurality of electrodes 410 may correspond to transparent electrodes. The plurality of electrodes 410 may be placed on both side of the liquid crystals 408. The plurality of electrodes 410 may be configured to apply an electric field to the liquid crystals 408 when the voltage is applied. Further, the LCD shutter 102 may further comprise a switch 412. The switch 412 may be configured to apply the voltage to the liquid crystals 408. Further, the arrow (as shown by 414) may represent the light exiting the LCD shutter 102 after passing through the liquid crystals 408 and the plurality of polarizers.

[0061] In some embodiments, FIG. 4A represents a twisted state of the liquid crystals 408. In FIG. 4A no voltage is applied. In the twisted state of the liquid crystals 408, the liquid crystal 408 may be twisted by 90 degrees. In some embodiments, when the voltage is applied via the plurality of electrodes, the liquid crystals 408 may align vertically, and may lose twist. When a voltage is applied between the plurality of electrodes 410, the liquid crystals 408 align vertically. In some embodiments, the liquid crystals 408 may lose the twist and orient parallel to the electric field created by the voltage (as shown in FIG. 4B). As shown in FIG. 4B, the light may be blocked after passing through the liquid crystals 408.

[0062] The present disclosure offers several advantages of the voltage detection device 100. Embodiments of the present disclosure enable non-contact detection of the DC voltage, which eliminates need for direct electrical connections, enhancing safety and minimizing wear and tear on components. The use of the LCD shutter 102 to convert the static electric field into the alternating electric field allows for more efficient and compact designs. Embodiments of the present disclosure reduce the size of the voltage detection device 100. Embodiments of the present disclosure further result in efficient power consumption and reduced mechanical complexity. Further, the filtered voltage signal ensures that only the relevant frequency components are measured, providing high accuracy in detecting the DC voltage. The automated alarm functionality of embodiments of the present disclosure, triggered based on the predefined threshold value, offers real-time monitoring and ensures that the user is alerted to the voltage anomalies. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a longer-lasting, low-noise, and low-power solution for detecting DC voltage.Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1

[0063] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings describe example embodiments in the context of certain example combinations of elements and / or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and / or functions may be provided by alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In this regard, for example, different combinations of elements and / or functions than those explicitly described above are also contemplated as may be set forth in some of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A voltage detection device comprising: a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter adapted to be positioned in proximity to a source having a direct current (DC) voltage generating a static electric field, wherein the LCD shutter is configured to selectively alternate between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter blocks the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter; a sensor plate positioned to receive the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter; and a converter communicatively coupled to the sensor plate, wherein the converter is configured to convert the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within the source.

2. The voltage detection device of claim 1, further comprising an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) communicatively coupled to the converter, wherein the ADC is configured to digitize the voltage signal corresponding to the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

3. The voltage detection device of claim 2, further comprising at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the ADC, wherein the at least one microcontroller is configured to filter frequency components from the digitized voltage signal around a predefined center frequency of the LCD shutter via a digital filter, to generate a filtered voltage signal.

4. The voltage detection device of claim 3, wherein the at least one microcontroller is configured to: compare a value of the filtered voltage signal with a predefined threshold value; and generate an alarm signal based at least on the comparison.Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU15. The voltage detection device of claim 4, further comprising an alarm unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller, wherein the alarm unit is configured to trigger an alarm based at least on the generated alarm signal.

6. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the predefined center frequency corresponds to an LCD shutter drive frequency having a range of 100 hertz - 2 kilohertz.

7. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a distance between the LCD shutter and the sensor plate is adapted to be varied mechanically for different sensitivities and has a range of 1-20 millimeters.

8. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the LCD shutter is periodically driven by the voltage signal that changes polarization of the LCD shutter such that the static electrical field is blocked and unblocked as the LCD shutter is driven.

9. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor plate is configured to get charged or discharged based at least on the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

10. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the source corresponds to at least one of a DC charged particle, charged cloud, or high voltage DC lines.

11. The voltage detection device of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the converter corresponds to at least one of a transimpedance amplifier or a current-to voltage (I / V) converter.

12. A method comprising: selectively alternating a liquid crystal display (LCD) shutter positioned in proximity to a source having a direct current (DC) voltage generating a static electric field between a polarized state in which the LCD shutter blocks the static electric field and a non-polarized state in which the static electric field passes through the LCD shutter;Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU1 receiving, via a sensor plate, the static electric field that altematingly passes through the LCD shutter, such that an alternating current (AC) is induced in the sensor plate by the static electric field that altematingly passes through the LCD shutter; and converting, via a converter communicatively coupled to the sensor plate, the AC into a voltage signal for measuring DC voltage present within the source.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: digitizing, via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) communicatively coupled to the converter, the voltage signal corresponding to the static electric field that altematingly passes through the LCD shutter; and filtering, via at least one microcontroller communicatively coupled to the ADC, frequency components from the digitized voltage signal around a predefined center frequency of the LCD shutter via a digital filter, to generate a filtered voltage signal.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predefined center frequency corresponds to an LCD shutter drive frequency having a range of 100 hertz - 2 kilohertz.

15. The method of either of claims 13 or 14, further comprising: comparing, via the at least one microcontroller, a value of the filtered voltage signal with a predefined threshold value; generating, via the at least one microcontroller, an alarm signal based at least on the comparison; and triggering, via an alarm unit communicatively coupled to the at least one microcontroller, an alarm based at least on the generated alarm signal.

16. The method of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein a distance between the LCD shutter and the sensor plate is adapted to be varied mechanically for different sensitivities and has a range of 1-20 millimeters.

17. The method of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the LCD shutter is periodically driven by the voltage signal that changes polarization of the LCD shutter such that the static electrical field is blocked and unblocked as the LCD shutter is driven.Docket No.: 81205.423.WOU118. The method of any one of claims 12 to 17, further comprising charging or discharging the sensor plate based at least on the static electric field that alternatingly passes through the LCD shutter.

19. The method of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the source corresponds to at least one of a DC charged particle, charged cloud, or high voltage DC lines.

20. The method of any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein the converter corresponds to at least one of a transimpedance amplifier or a current-to voltage (I / V) converter.

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