Cable Head Temperature Sensor with Wireless RFID Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current temperature measuring solutions for inflatable ring main units are unreliable due to long response times, large errors, and the need for external power supply, lacking a suitable wireless temperature measurement method.

Innovation Solution

A cable head with a thread insert between the bolt assembly and plug cover for electric field equalization, incorporating a recessed temperature measuring element in the nut, and utilizing radio frequency identification for wireless temperature signal transmission, eliminating the need for external power and reducing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional temperature measuring means is used for inflatable ring main unit, then temperature measurement is possible, but the response time is long and measurement errors are large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidresponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measuring element is extracted from traditional external measurement devices and integrated directly into the cable head structure, specifically positioned at the heat-generating部位 to enable direct contact measurement, thereby reducing response time and improving accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature measuring element is pre-installed within the cable head structure during manufacturing, positioned in advance at the optimal location for temperature measurement, so that when the cable head is assembled, temperature measurement can immediately begin without additional setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If traditional temperature measuring means is used, then temperature data can be obtained, but external power supply is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidpower supply requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measuring element utilizes the existing electrical field and power transmission infrastructure of the cable head itself to operate, drawing power from the system it is measuring rather than requiring separate external power supply, thus simplifying the overall system structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The cable head structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: power transmission, signal transmission, and temperature measurement. The existing electrical components are utilized for temperature sensing, eliminating the need for dedicated power supply systems for the temperature sensor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If traditional temperature measuring means is used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but construction technology of the cable head must be varied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement functionVSAvoidcable head construction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measuring element is merged with the existing cable head components, specifically integrated into the nut structure, so that temperature measurement functionality is combined with the mechanical fastening function, avoiding separate assembly steps and simplifying manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The nut component is designed to serve dual purposes: mechanical fastening and housing the temperature measuring element. This multi-functional design allows the same component to perform both structural and measurement functions, eliminating the need for additional construction steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If wireless temperature measurement is implemented, then external power supply is eliminated, but electric field interference may affect measurement reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply structureVSAvoidmeasurement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A shield is introduced as an intermediary element between the temperature measuring element and the surrounding electric field. The shield, positioned between the measuring element and the electrical components, acts as a protective barrier that blocks electric field interference while allowing temperature measurement to proceed reliably

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield is designed to create an equipotential environment around the temperature measuring element, equalizing the electric field distribution and preventing field lines from concentrating on the sensitive measuring element, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 quick, precise temperature measurement at the cable head, reducing failure rates and improving power supply reliability by integrating temperature and communication functions within the cable head, suitable for various ring main units.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature measuring element 19...for measuring the temperature of the cable head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A thread insert 17 is provided between the bolt assembly 12 and the plug cover 13 to equalize electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field equalization: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

the cable head further comprises a shield contacting with the metal terminal to shield electric field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3598596B1Temperature sensor for a cable head for a ring main unit
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS
  • EP3598596B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3598596B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3598596B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a cable head for a ring main unit and a ring main unit comprise such a cable head. The cable head comprises a plug body; a bolt assembly comprising a bolt and a nut, wherein when the cable head is assembled to a bushing of the ring main unit, the bolt is inserted into the bushing and the bushing contains a portion of the bolt; a plug cover mounted on the nut at one side; a plug cap mounted on the plug cover at its other side to close the plug cover; a metal terminal fixed with the bolt assembly and contacted with the bushing; and a stress solid, wherein a temperature measuring element is inserted into the nut to sense the temperature at the connection between the cable head and the bushing and transmit the measured temperature signal to a collector via wireless transmission.