Coil Spring Sensor Contact for High-Voltage Arcing Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors in high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical distribution systems face challenges in providing accurate voltage measurements under high electric fields and electrostatic noise, while also being susceptible to arcing due to complex geometries and positioning inaccuracies, posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement featuring a conductive contact member with a coil spring design that is resiliently compressed to ensure stable electrical contact with busbars, reducing dielectric stress and protecting internal components from electrostatic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is directly electrically coupled to a high-voltage conductor to derive voltage measurements, then voltage measurement capability is achieved, but arcing occurs due to high dielectric stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism between the sensor and high-voltage conductor that allows voltage measurement while preventing direct electrical contact. This intermediary structure reduces dielectric stress and eliminates arcing by providing an isolated measurement path that does not require direct electrical coupling to the high-voltage conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional direct electrical coupling mechanism with an alternative measurement approach that does not rely on direct electrical contact. By substituting the mechanical/electrical connection system with a different measurement principle, the system achieves voltage measurement capability without exposing components to high dielectric stresses that cause arcing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electric field deflectors are added to reduce arcing risk, then safety is improved, but sensor geometry becomes more complex and positioning accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electric field deflector function from the sensor geometry itself, separating the measurement function from the field management function. By taking out the deflector requirement and implementing it as a separate system-level solution rather than an integrated geometric feature, the sensor maintains simple geometry while still achieving arcing risk reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the sensor geometry to create electric field deflectors, the patent inverts the approach by designing the sensor to work with a simplified geometry and managing the electric field through the coupling mechanism and system architecture. This reversal eliminates the need for complex sensor geometries while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If deflectors are used to increase creepage distance, then arcing is reduced, but manufacturing cost and positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary coupling mechanism that inherently provides the necessary creepage distance and electrical isolation without requiring precise positioning of complex deflector structures. This intermediary solution achieves reliable arcing prevention through its design rather than through precise geometric relationships that would demand high manufacturing precision.
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 coil spring design provides reliable and accurate voltage measurements by minimizing arcing and dielectric stress, ensuring safe and effective operation in high-voltage environments.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive contact member (6) comprising a coil spring (8) resiliently compressed between the busbar (2) and an attachment point (7) on the sensor body (5)
Implementation Method 2
The conductive contact member (6) comprises a coil spring (8) resiliently compressed between the busbar (2) and an attachment point (7) on the sensor body (5). The inside of the conductive contact member (6) is shielded by the conductive contact member (6) itself
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A sensor to be electrically coupled to a conductor of a medium voltage or high voltage electrical distribution system, the sensor comprising a body and a conductive contact member, the conductive contact member being a coil spring having a rounded shape.