Non-Contact DC Voltage Detection Using a Fixed Frequency Resonator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact voltage detection methods struggle to accurately detect DC voltage sources due to the short duration of induced DC current and the introduction of noise and frequency components, particularly in systems using rotating vane electric field mills, leading to inaccurate detection and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact voltage detector utilizing a sensor plate and a fixed frequency resonator with oscillating plates forms a varying capacitance capacitor, inducing an AC current for DC voltage detection, which is then converted into a digital signal for analysis, enabling accurate detection and measurement of DC voltage without galvanic contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rotating vane electric field mills are used for non-contact voltage detection, then detection capability is provided, but noise and frequency components are introduced leading to inaccurate detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidnoise and frequency components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the rotating vane electric field mill component that introduces noise and frequency components. Instead, it uses a stationary sensor plate combined with a fixed frequency resonator, removing the harmful rotating mechanism while retaining the voltage detection capability through electromagnetic induction and resonance effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fixed frequency resonator as an intermediary component between the sensor plate and the voltage source. This resonator mediates the detection process by oscillating at a specific frequency to induce measurable current in the sensor plate without direct contact, thereby avoiding the noise problems of direct rotating vane methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If non-contact detection methods are used, then safety is improved, but detection precision for DC voltage is reduced due to short duration induced current

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidDC voltage detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by using a fixed frequency resonator that oscillates continuously at a predetermined frequency. This periodic oscillation sustains the electromagnetic induction process, converting brief induced current into continuous alternating current signals that can be accurately measured and processed for DC voltage detection without direct contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from direct DC current measurement to AC current induction at a fixed resonant frequency. By transforming the detection mechanism to operate at specific frequency parameters, the system can detect DC voltage non-contactly with improved precision through the sustained oscillation of the resonator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides precise detection and measurement of DC voltage by converting induced AC current into a digital signal, overcoming inaccuracies and cost issues associated with existing methods, allowing for safe and efficient voltage detection in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

In this regard, in the presence of a source voltage associated with the voltage source a current is induced in the sensor plate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A non-contact voltage detector utilizing a sensor plate and a fixed frequency resonator with oscillating plates forms a varying capacitance capacitor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance variation: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12535507B2Systems, methods, and apparatuses for non-contact voltage detection

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC

AI summary

An example non-contact voltage detector may include a sensor plate. In the presence of a source voltage associated with a voltage source a current is induced in the sensor plate. The non-contact voltage detector may include a fixed frequency resonator proximate the sensor plate and having a pair of plates each configured to oscillate. The non-contact voltage detector may include a current to voltage converter connected with the sensor plate and configured to convert the current induced in the sensor plate into a voltage. The non-contact voltage detector may include an analog to digital converter connected with the current to voltage converter configured to convert the voltage into a digital signal. The non-contact voltage detector may include a controller connected with the analog to digital converter and configured to receive the digital signal from the analog to digital converter and detect the source voltage.