Circular Oscillator Voltage Sensor with Electrostatic Drive
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage sensors face challenges in precision due to high complexity in assembly and a low signal Q factor from optical and electrical measurements, leading to limited voltage measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A voltage sensor design featuring a circular oscillator supported by a mechanical member with fixed and drive electrodes, where AC drive voltages are applied to the drive electrodes to reduce gas damping, minimize oscillation energy loss, and enhance resonance frequency change, eliminating the need for optical components and axis alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical components (Pockels element, quarter wave plate, polarizer, analyzer) are used for voltage sensing, then voltage measurement capability is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly complexity increases due to optical axis alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the optical measurement components (Pockels element, quarter wave plate, polarizer, analyzer) from the voltage sensing system, replacing them with a simplified electrical measurement approach using an oscillator and electrodes, thereby reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining voltage measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical measurement system with an electrical measurement system based on oscillator frequency detection, substituting complex optical components and alignment procedures with simpler electrical circuits and electronic measurement techniques
2Measurement precision
If conventional voltage sensor design is used, then voltage measurement is possible, but signal Q factor and signal change are insufficient, limiting measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs mechanical vibration of a circular oscillator at its resonance frequency to generate a stable and detectable signal. By driving the oscillator at resonance, the system achieves high signal Q factor and large signal change, significantly improving measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from optical properties to electrical resonance frequency. By measuring the change in resonance frequency of the oscillator in response to applied voltage, the system achieves higher sensitivity and precision compared to conventional optical methods
3Measurement precision
If oscillator amplitude is reduced to lower gas damping influence, then signal Q factor increases, but oscillation energy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic AC drive voltage to the drive electrodes to continuously sustain the oscillator's vibration at resonance. This periodic energy input compensates for energy losses due to damping, maintaining stable oscillation with high Q factor over extended measurement periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the oscillator's vibration state is continuously monitored and the drive voltage is adjusted to maintain optimal oscillation amplitude and frequency. This feedback mechanism ensures stable operation and maintains high signal Q factor by compensating for energy losses in real-time
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
This design improves voltage measurement precision by increasing the signal Q factor and signal change, reducing noise and part complexity, while maintaining stable oscillator operation and efficient oscillation.
Implementation Method 1
by applying a voltage to the fixed electrodes, to make an electrostatic attractive force act on the oscillator
Implementation Method 2
an electrostatic attractive force acts on the oscillator by applying a voltage to the fixed electrode, and a resonance frequency of the oscillator changes
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage sensor includes an oscillator that has a circular or roughly circular shape and is supported by a mechanical support member, a fixed electrode that has a predetermined gap between the oscillator and the fixed electrode, and a drive electrode that is placed at a position different from the fixed electrode across the oscillator, and to which an AC drive voltage is applied to make the oscillator oscillate. In the voltage sensor, an electrostatic attractive force acts on the oscillator by applying a voltage to the fixed electrode, and a resonance frequency of the oscillator changes.