Cable Terminal Capacitive Sensor Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for detecting faults in electric networks, either alone or integrated in cable terminations, have fixed dimensions and capacitance, making them unsuitable for cables of different sizes and shapes, requiring adaptors that increase costs and complicate installation, and often necessitate field calibration due to changes in capacitance.
Innovation Solution
A cable termination with an integrated monitoring device featuring a capacitive voltage sensor embedded in a bell-shaped insulating body, which controls the electric field and eliminates the need for non-linear stress control layers, allowing the sensor to be coupled to cables of various sizes and shapes without the need for adaptors or field calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sensors with fixed dimensions and capacitance are used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensor cannot fit cables of different sizes and shapes without adaptors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the sensor dimensions adjustable through a deformation mechanism. The sensor can be deformed to match different cable diameters, transforming from a fixed-structure sensor into one with adaptable geometry. This resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility across different cable sizes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure that can be dynamically adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the sensor, specifically its dimensions and capacitance, to match different cable characteristics. By adjusting these parameters rather than maintaining fixed values, the sensor can be adapted to various cable sizes and shapes without requiring completely different sensor designs or additional adaptors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are adapted to different cable sizes, then the sensor fits various cables, but field calibration is required due to capacitance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the sensor to automatically adjust its capacitance to match the cable characteristics. Rather than requiring external calibration procedures, the sensor autonomously adapts its electrical parameters to the connected cable, eliminating the need for manual field calibration while maintaining adaptability across different cable types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adaptors are used to make sensors fit different cables, then the sensor can accommodate various cable sizes, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adaptation function from separate physical adaptors and integrates it directly into the sensor structure. By incorporating the deformation mechanism and adjustable parameters within the sensor itself, the design eliminates the need for additional adaptor components, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining versatility across different cable configurations.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed-dimension sensors are used, then the sensor design is simple, but the sensor cannot be properly installed on cables of different diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static sensor design into a dynamic one capable of deformation. The sensor maintains a simple base structure for easy manufacturing but incorporates mechanisms that allow it to dynamically change its dimensions during installation, enabling proper fit on cables of various diameters without compromising design simplicity.
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
The solution enables easy installation and eliminates the need for field calibration, as the cable terminal is not affected by cable size changes, and the monitoring device is protected from the environment, simplifying manufacturing and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a device for detecting a voltage signal provided with a through capacitor in metal collar form
Implementation Method 2
a device for detecting a current signal provided with at least a current sensor obtained with a coil susceptible to being crossed by current due to inductive effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a cable termination (100) comprising a cable terminal (1) and a cable joint assembly (3), in which the cable terminal (1) comprises: a terminal conductor (8); a monitoring device (13) comprising a capacitive voltage sensor (14) around the terminal conductor (8); and an electrically insulating body (22) fitted around the terminal conductor (8), comprising a bell-shaped end portion (26) in which the voltage sensor (14) is at least partially embedded. The present invention further relates to a cable terminal (1), which comprises: a terminal conductor (8); a monitoring device (13) comprising a capacitive voltage sensor (14) around the terminal conductor (8); and an electrically insulating body (22) fitted around the terminal conductor (8), comprising a bell-shaped end portion (26) in which the voltage sensor (14) is at least partially embedded and a stem end portion (27), the terminal conductor (8) extending beyond the stem end portion (27).