Coreless Transformer Resonance Testing for Coil Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In safety-critical automotive applications, conventional visual inspection methods are time-consuming and ineffective for detecting faults in coreless transformer coils, which are essential for isolating high-voltage and low-voltage domains during signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
A circuit and method that incorporate a resonant circuit coupled to the transformer coils, allowing for the measurement of characteristic frequency and power consumption, enabling the detection of faults by forming a resonant loop and outputting these measures for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual inspection is used to detect faults in transformer coils, then fault detection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrical measurement system. A resonant circuit is coupled to the transformer coil to form a resonant loop, and electrical parameters (characteristic frequency and power consumption) are measured automatically. This substitution of mechanical/visual inspection with electrical measurement resolves the contradiction by providing reliable fault detection without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer coil itself serves as part of the diagnostic system by forming a resonant loop with the test circuit. The coil's inherent electrical properties (inductance, resistance) are utilized to generate measurable signals that indicate its health status. This self-service approach enables automatic fault detection without requiring external manual inspection, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining reliability.
2Productivity
If conventional inspection methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but diagnostic efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant measurement circuit serves multiple functions: it excites the coil, measures the characteristic frequency, determines power consumption, and detects faults all through a single integrated approach. This multi-functionality increases diagnostic efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same circuit infrastructure performs multiple diagnostic tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (frequency and power consumption) of the resonant loop to detect faults. By monitoring these parameter variations, the system achieves high diagnostic efficiency. The measurement apparatus, while somewhat complex, is optimized to track these parameter changes efficiently, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If detailed fault detection is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system provides feedback by comparing the measured characteristic frequency and power consumption against expected values or thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables precise fault detection through simple binary or categorical outcomes (fault present/absent). The feedback approach maintains high measurement precision while keeping the detection process relatively simple and automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant loop acts as an intermediary between the transformer coil and the measurement apparatus. It transforms the coil's electrical properties into measurable signals (frequency and power consumption) that clearly indicate fault conditions. This intermediary simplifies the detection process by providing distinct, easily measurable parameters that reflect the coil's health status with high 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
Facilitates rapid and accurate fault detection in transformer coils by analyzing deviations in characteristic frequency and power consumption, improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing the time required for fault identification.
Implementation Method 1
A resonant circuit, which is couplable to the first coil and/or the second coil to form a resonant loop
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit is provided that comprises a transformer having a first coil, which is arranged on a substrate, a second coil, which is arranged above the first coil on the substrate, and a dielectric between the first coil and the second coil. The circuit furthermore comprises a resonant circuit, which is couplable to the first coil and/or the second coil to form a resonant loop, wherein a measure of a characteristic frequency of the resonant loop and/or a measure of a power consumption of the resonant loop is able to be tapped off at an output of the resonant circuit.A corresponding method is also provided.