Current Transformer Calibration Memory for Compact Panel Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power monitoring solutions for electrical mains are cumbersome and expensive to install, requiring multiple devices to monitor electricity usage across multiple devices, which is impractical for large areas like houses or buildings, and there is a need for a compact device that can sense electrical current effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact current transformer design with a semi-elliptical housing and rotational core configuration that allows for easy installation and secure contact, featuring a lock mechanism and memory chip for scale factor storage, enabling accurate energy consumption monitoring with reduced manual effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple power monitors are installed to monitor electricity usage across multiple devices, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing capabilities into a single current transformer device that can monitor multiple electrical mains simultaneously. The device integrates first and second cores for sensing different mains, housing structures that accommodate multiple sensing elements, and unified processing circuitry, thereby achieving broad measurement coverage without requiring multiple separate power monitors.
Solution Approach 2:
The current transformer is designed as a universal monitoring device capable of sensing electricity passing through multiple electrical mains (e.g., 120V, 240V, 3-phase systems). The device incorporates multiple cores and sensing windings that can adapt to different voltage configurations and mains types, providing multi-functional monitoring capability from a single device.
2Volume of moving object
If a compact current transformer is designed to fit in limited electrical panel space, then ease of installation is improved, but core contact reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates rotational joints that allow the cores to rotate and adapt their position dynamically. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the cores to achieve optimal contact positioning even within a compact housing, ensuring reliable electrical contact between core ends while maintaining a space-efficient device form factor suitable for electrical panel installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The current transformer employs a nested structural arrangement where cores are positioned within housing cavities, and components are arranged in concentric or layered configurations. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available space within the compact device, allowing multiple sensing elements to be accommodated in a small volume while maintaining proper spacing and contact reliability.
3Ease of operation
If rotational joints are added to enable core rotation for contact alignment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational joints are designed to allow cores to rotate and self-align automatically based on mechanical feedback from contact forces. The system uses spring-loaded contacts and cam mechanisms that guide the cores into proper alignment positions without requiring external actuation or complex control systems, thereby providing ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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
The solution provides a compact, easy-to-install, and accurate method for monitoring electrical current across multiple mains, reducing installation costs and enhancing energy consumption data accuracy, facilitating efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
the first core mounted in rotational contact within the first distal portion; and a second core having a second proximal core end and a second distal core end, the second core mounted in rotational contact within the second distal portion
Implementation Method 2
a current transformer for attaching to and measuring electrical current through one or more electrical mains
Data Source
AI summary
A current transformer assembly includes a first current transformer, a plug, a first wire and a second wire between the plug and the first current transformer adapted to transmit a measurement of the first current transformer; and a memory chip adapted to store a first scale factor of the first current transformer.