Current Sensor with Segmented Conductive Element for Multi-Branch Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors face challenges in effectively measuring multiple currents in complex power distribution systems, particularly in scenarios where currents split across multiple conductors, requiring a solution that can accurately sense and evaluate currents in multiple branches simultaneously without increasing complexity or cost.
Innovation Solution
A current sensor design featuring a conductive element with multiple terminal areas connected to a common conductive area via intermediate areas, accompanied by multiple magnetic field sensors positioned to maximize magnetic field detection, allowing for simultaneous measurement and evaluation of currents flowing into the common conductive area, including background magnetic field compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate current sensors are used to measure currents in multiple branches, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple current measurements into a single sensor node by merging multiple magnetic field sensors (at least two) with a common conductive area. This unified structure allows simultaneous measurement of multiple branch currents without requiring separate sensors for each branch, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision through the combined sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single current sensor node is designed with multi-functionality to measure currents in multiple branches simultaneously. The common conductive area serves as a universal interface that receives currents from multiple terminal areas, and the magnetic field sensors detect the combined magnetic field signatures, enabling one sensor to perform the function of multiple separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate current sensors are deployed, then measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple sensing functions into a single sensor node with a common conductive area and shared magnetic field sensors, the patent reduces the total power consumption compared to operating multiple independent sensors. The unified structure allows for shared power supply and signal processing pathways, reducing overall energy requirements while maintaining the capability to measure multiple branch currents.
3Device complexity
If a single current sensor measures multiple currents, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conductive element into multiple separate terminal areas (at least three) that are electrically connected through a common conductive area. This segmentation allows distinct current paths from different terminals to be differentiated in the magnetic field signatures, enabling the single sensor to resolve and measure multiple branch currents with precision despite the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The common conductive area acts as an intermediary that combines multiple current paths while preserving their distinct magnetic field characteristics. This intermediary structure allows the magnetic field sensors to detect and differentiate the currents from multiple terminal areas, maintaining measurement precision while achieving device simplification.
4Measurement precision
If magnetic field sensors are positioned close to the conductive area, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but susceptibility to background magnetic fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning magnetic field sensors at specific locations adjacent to the common conductive area where the magnetic field signatures from different terminal areas are distinct and measurable. The sensors are strategically placed to maximize sensitivity to the currents of interest while the evaluator system compensates for background magnetic field effects through signal processing and differentiation of the magnetic field patterns.
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 accurate and simultaneous measurement of multiple currents in complex systems, reducing component count, cost, and power consumption while enhancing reliability and accuracy by leveraging magnetic field sensing technology.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least two magnetic field sensors is adapted to sense a magnetic field component of the current flowing into the common conductive area to provide a sensor signal based on the sensed magnetic field component
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure provide a current sensor including a conductive element and at least two magnetic field sensors. The conductive element includes at least three separate terminal areas, a common conductive area and at least three separate intermediate areas connecting the respective separate terminal areas to the common conductive area. Each of the terminal areas is connected separately via a respective separate intermediate area of the at least three separate intermediate areas to the common conductive area to guide a current applied to the respective terminal area into the common conductive area. The at least two magnetic field sensors are arranged at different geometric positions adjacent to the at least three separate intermediate areas, wherein each of the magnetic field sensors is configured to sense a magnetic field component of each current flowing into the common conductive area to provide a sensor signal based thereon.