Adjustable Rogowski Coil Probe for Confined-Space Voltage Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage and current measurement devices require galvanic contact, posing safety risks and being cumbersome in confined spaces, and existing non-contact devices lack accuracy in measuring voltage magnitude.
Innovation Solution
A sensor probe with a Rogowski coil and non-contact sensor that forms adjustable loops around insulated conductors, allowing accurate measurement of voltage and current without galvanic contact, featuring a body with parallel channels for Rogowski coil adjustment and a non-contact sensor positioned to enhance measurement precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltmeters or multimeters are used to measure AC voltage, then voltage measurement is achieved, but galvanic contact is required which poses safety risks and requires cutting insulation or providing terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic contact system with an electromagnetic field-based non-contact sensing system. The sensor probe detects AC voltage through electromagnetic induction, allowing measurement without physical contact with the conductor, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with galvanic contact while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the measurement device and the conductor. The sensor probe detects the electromagnetic field generated by the AC voltage carrier wave, using this field as a mediator to obtain voltage information without direct contact, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and measurement convenience
2Reliability
If non-contact voltage measurement devices are used, then safety is improved and galvanic contact is eliminated, but only presence/absence indication is provided without actual voltage magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic signal processing techniques to extract voltage magnitude information from the electromagnetic field. The sensor probe continuously monitors the carrier wave signal and uses signal processing algorithms to calculate the actual voltage magnitude, transforming a static presence/absence detection into a dynamic quantitative measurement system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor probe receives the electromagnetic field signal, processes it to determine voltage magnitude, and provides continuous measurement data. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate voltage magnitude measurement while operating in non-contact mode, resolving the limitation of仅提供 presence/absence indication
3Adaptability or versatility
If clamp-on multimeters are used for current measurement, then current measurement capability is improved without internal fuse, but the device is physically heavy and requires large space to open jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid magnetic core structure with a flexible Rogowski coil. This flexible coil can be easily deformed and inserted into confined spaces without requiring large opening space, significantly reducing the device's physical footprint while maintaining current measurement capability through magnetic field sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static rigid clamp structure into a dynamic flexible Rogowski coil that can adapt its shape to fit various conductor configurations. The flexible coil can be easily inserted and adjusted in confined spaces, eliminating the need for large opening space and reducing device weight while preserving versatile current measurement capabilities
4Measurement precision
If clamp-on multimeters with magnetic core are used, then current measurement is achieved, but high current levels saturate the magnetic core limiting measurement capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the sensing element from a magnetic core with saturation characteristics to an air-core Rogowski coil with linear characteristics. This parameter change eliminates magnetic saturation effects, allowing the device to accurately measure high current levels without limiting measurement capacity, thus expanding the current measurement range while maintaining accuracy
5Adaptability or versatility
If Rogowski coil is used for current measurement, then current measurement capability is improved and flexibility is increased, but the loop size is fixed making it difficult to use in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the Rogowski coil loop size dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The flexible coil can be deformed to different sizes and shapes, allowing it to adapt to various conductor configurations and fit into confined spaces, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining versatile current measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the Rogowski coil into flexible sections that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the coil to be deformed and configured in different loop sizes and shapes, making it easier to insert and adjust in confined spaces while preserving the ability to measure current in various configurations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe, precise measurement of electrical parameters in confined spaces by eliminating the need for galvanic contact and ensuring accurate voltage and current readings through adjustable loop sizing.
Implementation Method 1
The current clamp is closed around the current-carrying conductor to sense the magnetic field created by the current flow
Implementation Method 2
A non-contact voltage measurement device may be used to detect the presence of alternating current (AC) voltage without requiring galvanic contact with the circuit
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sensor probe includes a body having first and second channels that are spaced apart and extend through the body approximately parallel to each other. A first end of a Rogowski coil is fixed within the first channel. The Rogowski coil passes through the second channel and loops back to the first channel where a second end of the Rogowski coil is selectively insertable into the first channel opposite the first end of the Rogowski coil. A non-contact sensor coupled to the body is positioned between the first and second channels to measure a parameter of an insulated conductor situated within the loop formed by the Rogowski coil. The size of an interior region within the loop is selectively adjustable by sliding movement of the Rogowski coil within the second channel.