Capacitive Voltage Sensor for Non-Contact AC Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage measurement methods require shutting off power to distribution boards, leading to inefficiencies, increased human resource requirements, and potential losses due to idle time, as they necessitate physical connection and installation of measurement devices to electric wires.
Innovation Solution
A voltage measurement device that calculates alternating current (AC) voltage using an induced voltage on the surface of an electric wire, employing a contact portion, capacitive element, and controller to determine the AC voltage amplitude without the need for direct power interruption, utilizing capacitive coupling and a switching unit for efficient data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional voltage measurement method is used requiring power shutdown and physical wire connection, then measurement accuracy is improved, but productivity is worsened due to equipment downtime and idle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection method (physical wire stripping and device attachment) with a non-contact capacitive coupling method. The voltage measurement device uses a contact portion that capacitively couples to the electric wire surface without requiring power shutdown or physical wire disconnection, thereby maintaining manufacturing productivity while enabling voltage measurement through electromagnetic field interaction rather than mechanical connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capacitive coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the voltage measurement device and the electric wire. The contact portion with capacitive element creates an intermediate capacitive connection that allows voltage measurement through the electric wire's electromagnetic field without direct electrical contact or power interruption, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and continuous production
2Reliability
If conventional voltage measurement method requiring wire disconnection is used, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time is worsened due to restart time requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by enabling voltage measurement to be performed before any power shutdown or wire disconnection occurs. The non-contact capacitive coupling method allows the measurement device to be attached and begin measuring immediately without requiring preliminary power shutdown procedures, thereby eliminating the time loss associated with equipment restart while maintaining measurement reliability through stable capacitive coupling
3Productivity
If non-contact capacitive coupling method is used for voltage measurement, then productivity is improved by continuous operation, but device complexity is worsened due to switching unit and controller requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the voltage measurement device into distinct functional modules: a contact portion for capacitive coupling, a switching unit for connection control, and a controller for signal processing. This modular segmentation enables continuous production measurement while managing device complexity through organized functional separation, where each module performs a specific task that contributes to the overall measurement capability
4Ease of manufacture
If physical wire connection method is used, then ease of manufacture is improved with simple device structure, but ease of operation is worsened due to human resource requirements for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical installation process (wire stripping, device attachment requiring human resources) with a non-contact capacitive coupling method. The contact portion with capacitive element can be attached without wire disconnection or power shutdown, significantly reducing installation complexity and human resource requirements while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple device structure
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 non-contact, efficient measurement of AC voltage with reduced resource requirements and minimal downtime, allowing for continuous operation of manufacturing equipment while maintaining accurate power monitoring and reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
employing a contact portion, capacitive element, and controller to determine the AC voltage amplitude without the need for direct power interruption, utilizing capacitive coupling
Implementation Method 2
calculates an alternating current (AC) voltage using a voltage induced in a surface of an electric wire with the AC voltage applied thereto
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage measurement device is provided. The voltage measurement device includes a contact portion configured to contact an electric wire for transmitting an alternating current (AC) voltage and to output an induced voltage induced by the AC voltage in a surface of the electric wire, a capacitive element connected in series to the contact portion, and a controller configured to calculate amplitude of the AC voltage using the induced voltage output from the contact portion and a second voltage output from the capacitive element.