Automated Cable Insulation Monitoring Switching Stage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation and continuity monitoring devices for electrical cables in naval vessels require extensive manual operation, leading to lengthy measurement times and potential errors due to the need for manual connection of wires and adjustment of parameters, especially in cramped environments.

Innovation Solution

A device with a galvanically isolated voltage generator and automated switching stage that automatically connects and disconnects each wire of the cable to the measurement circuit, reducing manual intervention and enabling simultaneous insulation and continuity checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual connection and parameter adjustment is used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-identification of cables and automatic connection through the switching stage, eliminating the need for manual parameter adjustment and wire connection while maintaining measurement accuracy through automated control sequences

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures measurement parameters and automatically selects appropriate measurement modes before actual measurement begins, so that when measurement starts, all settings are already optimized and ready, reducing on-site adjustment time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If automated switching stage is used, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching stage serves multiple functions: it automatically connects different cables to the measurement circuit, selects measurement parameters, identifies cable types, and controls the measurement sequence, consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into one unit

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

Solution Approach 2:

The switching stage acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex measurement system, providing a simplified interface that automatically handles complex switching and configuration tasks while the operator only needs to initiate the measurement process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If galvanic isolation is implemented, then safety is improved, but measurement capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidmeasurement capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The galvanically isolated voltage generator acts as an intermediary that provides electrical isolation between the measurement system and the cable under test, ensuring operator safety while still enabling accurate insulation resistance measurements through the isolated measurement circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3679382B1Device for monitoring the insulation and continuity of at least one electric cable and associated monitoring method
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 NAVAL GRP
  • EP3679382B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3679382B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3679382B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (10) for monitoring the insulation and/or continuity of an electric cable (12) comprising a plurality of electric wires, the device (10) comprising a measuring circuit (16) which can be connected to the electric wires, the measuring circuit (16) comprising: - a measuring stage (20) comprising a voltage generator (22); - a switching stage (25), which can be connected to the measuring stage (20) and is suitable for automatically and successively connecting each electric wire to the measuring circuit (16) and/or suitable for connecting the measuring circuit (16) to ground; - a stage for looping (28) the measuring circuit (16), said looping stage (28) being connectable, wire by wire, to the switching stage (25) and (28) being configured to operate automatically in at least one of two operating modes, i.e. an insulating or resistive mode, associated with monitoring insulation or continuity, respectively.