Current Sensor Identification via Voltage Divider Indicator Lights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy monitoring systems face difficulties in identifying and locating current sensors, especially when cable lengths are long or hard to trace, requiring significant time for technicians to visually determine sensor identities and locations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method that multiplexes sensor identification and location information on a common conductor using a voltage divider circuit and indicator lights, allowing for simultaneous identification and location determination of current sensors connected to a base unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If current sensors are electrically connected to the base unit using long or hard-to-trace cables, then the system can monitor energy passing through multiple conductors, but it becomes difficult to determine the identities and locations of the current sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses indicator lights (visual color/signal changes) at both the base unit and current sensor to indicate identity and location information. The indicator light at the current sensor location provides visual feedback that helps technicians quickly identify which sensor corresponds to which cable connection, eliminating the need to physically trace long cables.
2Loss of information
If technicians visually locate current sensors to determine sensor identities, then they can identify the sensors, but it takes significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where indicator lights provide immediate visual information about sensor identity and location. When a technician connects or traces a cable, the corresponding indicator lights illuminate to confirm which sensor is which, providing real-time feedback that dramatically reduces the time required to identify sensors compared to manual visual searching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-identification capability through the indicator lights that automatically indicate sensor identity and location without requiring external assistance or manual labeling. The current sensor and base unit essentially 'tell' the technician their identity through the visual indicators, eliminating the need for the technician to manually determine sensor identities.
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
This solution enables efficient and timely identification and location of current sensors, reducing the time and effort required for technicians, and preventing errors by using a voltage divider circuit and indicator lights to convey sensor identity and location information.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider circuit and indicator lights, allowing for simultaneous identification and location determination
Implementation Method 2
a voltage divider circuit and indicator lights, allowing for simultaneous identification and location determination
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy monitoring system (400) for a power conductor (440) includes a base unit (410), a sensor cable (420), and a current sensor (430). The base unit includes a first indicator circuit (413) and a first resistance (425) electrically connected to a voltage source (424). The sensor cable includes a conductor (421). The current sensor is electrically connected to the base unit by the sensor cable. The current sensor includes a second resistance (432) and a second indicator (433). The first resistance and the first indicator circuit are electrically connected to the second resistance and the second indicator by the conductor.