Electrical Conductor Conductivity Detection via Transfer Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for monitoring rechargeable battery and power tool connections fail to detect a gradual or deteriorating state of electrical conductors in a timely manner, often leading to late prevention of malfunctions or failures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the measurement of voltage values at both system components, calculation of differential values, and determination of transfer resistance to detect changes in conductivity, with adjustments or alerts when predetermined thresholds are reached, allowing for early detection of deteriorating states in electrical conductors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If parameter comparison with stored threshold values is used to detect malfunctions, then a malfunction can be detected, but a gradual or constantly deteriorating state of a system component is detected too late

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalfunction detectionVSAvoiddetection delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by calculating transfer resistance between system components before a malfunction occurs. By continuously monitoring the transfer resistance values and comparing them against threshold values, the system detects gradual deterioration of electrical conductors in advance, enabling preventive measures to be taken before complete failure occurs. This resolves the contradiction by shifting detection from reactive (after malfunction) to proactive (before malfunction).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If mechanical stresses and loads on electrical conductors are present, then the conductivity of the electrical conductor deteriorates, but this deterioration cannot be detected in a timely manner

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity monitoringVSAvoiddetection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses transfer resistance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly monitor the conductivity of electrical conductors. Instead of directly measuring conductor properties under mechanical stress, the system measures the transfer resistance between connected system components, which reflects the conductivity state. This intermediary measurement approach makes it feasible to detect gradual conductivity deterioration caused by mechanical stresses without requiring direct access to or complex measurement of the conductor itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the cross-sectional area of an electrical conductor is reduced due to stretching, then the conductivity deteriorates, but this state remains undetected until failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductivity change detectionVSAvoidmeasurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of using mechanical gauges or visual inspection to detect cross-sectional area reduction in stretched conductors, the system uses electrical resistance measurements. The transfer resistance calculation provides precise detection of conductivity changes resulting from mechanical deformation, achieving high measurement precision with a relatively simple electrical measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 the early and simple detection of deteriorating states in electrical conductors, preventing potential malfunctions by adjusting system components or emitting alerts when transfer resistance exceeds predetermined thresholds, thus ensuring timely intervention.

Implementation Method 1

ascertaining a transfer resistance as a quotient of the second differential value and the current intensity value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20240418756A1Method for determining the conductivity of an electrical conductor between a first system component and a second system component
Publication Date: 2024.12.19 HILTI AG
  • US20240418756A1 patent drawing
  • US20240418756A1 patent drawing
  • US20240418756A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining the conductivity of an electrical conductor between a first system component and a second system component, the method steps determining a first voltage value and a second voltage value at the first or second system component for a given current intensity value; determining a first differential value between a reference voltage value at the first system component and the first voltage value; determining a second differential value between a reference voltage value at the first system component and the second voltage value; identifying a transition resistance as a quotient from the second differential value and the current intensity value when a difference between the first and second differential values reaches a predetermined threshold value; and adjusting the first and/or second system component from a first operating state into a second operating state and/or emitting at least one signal by means of a display device on the first and/or second system component when the transition resistance reaches a predetermined threshold value.