Overhead Conductor Sensor with Thermocouple Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead conductor sensors face challenges in measuring parameters like sag, connector failures, and vibrations in high-voltage energized conductors, requiring a solution that is cost-effective, low power consumption, and capable of accurate temperature measurement while being easy to install and adaptable to different conductor sizes.
Innovation Solution
An overhead conductor sensor with a low power consumption design, power harvesting capabilities, and a thermocouple assembly for temperature measurement, featuring a jaw assembly for secure attachment and a stabilizer with adjustable slots for various conductor sizes, along with plug-and-play communications options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is attached to an energized overhead conductor to measure temperature and other parameters, then measurement capability is improved, but the sensor may impact conductor temperatures through thermal heat sinking or wind sheltering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermocouple assembly as an intermediary component that extends through the jaw assembly to engage with the conductor. This thermocouple measures temperature at the conductor surface without requiring the entire sensor housing to be in thermal contact, thereby minimizing heat sinking effects while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is extracted from the main sensor housing and implemented through a separate thermocouple assembly that can be positioned to contact the conductor minimally. This separation allows the measurement function to be performed with minimal thermal impact on the conductor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is designed to accommodate different conductor sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed with movable jaws that can adjust their position and spacing to accommodate conductors of varying diameters. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single sensor design to fit multiple conductor sizes without requiring multiple fixed-size housings or complex interchangeable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer component incorporates multiple slots of different sizes within a single structure, enabling the same stabilizer to provide appropriate support for various conductor diameters. This universal design approach allows one component to serve multiple functions across different application scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is designed for easy installation on energized conductors, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed with pre-configured jaw assemblies and stabilizers that are prepared before installation. The jaw assembly includes pre-positioned thermocouple extensions and the stabilizer has pre-formed slots, allowing for quick attachment to the conductor without requiring complex field adjustments or assembly steps that could compromise measurement reliability.
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 sensor effectively measures conductor parameters, including temperature, current, and vibrations, without impacting conductor temperatures or causing safety issues, and allows for easy installation and upgrading, addressing the limitations of prior art.
Implementation Method 1
a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor, the thermocouple assembly being adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An overhead conductor sensor for measuring various parameters that affect an overhead conductor is disclosed. The overhead conductor sensor includes an electronics housing having first and second opposing ends, a jaw assembly having a first jaw connected to the first end of the electronics housing and a second jaw pivotally attached to the first jaw to allow the jaw assembly to move between an open position for receiving an overhead conductor therein and a closed position for securing the sensor to the overhead conductor, and a thermocouple assembly electrically connected to electronics housed in the electronics housing and extending through the jaw assembly for engagement with the overhead conductor. The thermocouple assembly is adapted to measure a temperature of the overhead conductor.