Current Measuring Apparatus Using Series Coil for Accurate Mains Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current measuring apparatuses for consumer products are not efficient in accurately measuring mains current drawn, particularly in a networked environment where centralized monitoring is desired.
Innovation Solution
A current measuring apparatus comprising a mains connector, an apparatus connector, and a coil in series, with a measurement circuit to measure voltage drop across the coil, allowing for inductive coupling and conversion of current to voltage for digital signal processing, enabling accurate current measurement and networked communication of data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coil is placed in series to measure current, then current measurement capability is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling the series coil to serve dual purposes: both filtering the mains signal and measuring the current drawn by the consumer product. The measurement circuit measures voltage drop across this same coil to determine current, eliminating the need for separate measurement components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If voltage drop across coil is measured to determine current, then current measurement is enabled, but measurement circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the voltage drop across the coil as an intermediary measurement. Instead of directly measuring current, the measurement circuit measures the voltage drop across the coil, which is proportional to the current. This intermediary approach simplifies the measurement circuit while maintaining accurate current measurement capability.
3Ease of operation
If inductive coupling is used for measurement, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the inductance value of the measurement coil to balance non-contact measurement capability with measurement precision. By carefully selecting the inductance parameter (between substantially 100 mH and substantially 500 μH in various embodiments), the system achieves accurate current measurement through inductive coupling while maintaining ease of operation and non-contact measurement benefits.
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 precise measurement of current drawn by consumer products and facilitates networked communication of current data for centralized monitoring, enhancing user engagement and energy management.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement circuit that is operative to measure a voltage drop across the coil
Implementation Method 2
The measurement coil may be disposed in relation to the coil such that current passing through the coil is inductively coupled to the measurement coil
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is a current measuring apparatus comprising: a mains connector, such as a plug, for connecting to a wire of a mains supply; an apparatus connector, such as a socket, to provide for electrical conduction to an electrical apparatus; a coil in series between the mains connector and the apparatus connector; and a measurement circuit that is operative to measure a voltage drop across the coil. In particular the coil is one present to also filter the mains signal. Also disclosed is a mains voltage powered consumer product, a network and an adaptor utilizing the current measuring apparatus.