Digital Voltage Detector for Armament Circuit Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage detectors used in Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets require fuse replacement upon sensing over-voltage, leading to inefficiencies and equipment redundancy, and provide inaccurate digital voltage readings due to limitations in trip point adjustments and input voltage measurement.
Innovation Solution
A digital voltage detector system with an analog-to-digital converter and microcontroller, allowing for external resistor adjustments to set trip points, providing accurate digital readouts, and eliminating the need for disposable fuses by using electronic switches to manage load resistances and improve input impedance consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltage detector uses disposable fuse for over-voltage protection, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity and maintenance time increase due to fuse replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fuse-based protection system with an electronic protection circuit that uses solid-state components (resistors, transistors, integrated circuits) to detect and respond to over-voltage conditions. This substitution eliminates the need for physical fuse replacement while maintaining over-voltage protection functionality, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional voltage detector uses fixed trip point, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability decreases due to inability to adjust for different voltage ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable trip points through external resistor connections that allow the detection threshold to be dynamically changed based on the specific test requirements. The system can be configured for different voltage ranges (e.g., 22-47 VDC for presence of voltage, greater than 47 VDC for over-voltage) by connecting different resistors, providing adaptability while maintaining precise trip point detection for each configuration.
3Loss of time
If conventional voltage detector requires manual fuse replacement, then loss of time is reduced during normal operation, but productivity decreases due to maintenance interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The protection circuit automatically responds to over-voltage conditions without requiring manual intervention for fuse replacement. The electronic circuit self-manages the protection function, continuing to operate and allow test series completion while providing appropriate indications of over-voltage conditions, thereby eliminating productivity interruptions.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional voltage detector uses analog measurement, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision decreases due to limited resolution and trip point adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces analog measurement circuits with digital measurement using an analog-to-digital converter and microcontroller. This substitution provides significantly improved measurement precision with resolutions down to 0.01 VDC, accurate trip point detection, and the ability to display exact voltage readings rather than relying on analog indicator light thresholds, while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard digital components.
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 high and low input voltage measurements, reduces equipment redundancy, and streamlines the Armament Circuits Preload Test series by providing a digital display and fail indicators, thus reducing man-hours and enhancing test efficiency without the need for fuse replacement.
Implementation Method 1
The digital voltage detector 200 comprises an analog-to-digital converter 240 and a microcontroller 245
Implementation Method 2
analog-to-digital converter 240 and a microcontroller 245, replacing the analog comparator 140
Implementation Method 3
eliminating the need for disposable fuses by using electronic switches to manage load resistances and improve input impedance consistency
Data Source
AI summary
A digital voltage detector system that is compatible with existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets is described. Adjustment of under and over voltage trip points is accommodated in accordance with conventional means. The digital voltage detector is compatible with all conventional Voltage Detector interface cables and adapters. Unlike the conventional voltage detector of existing Armament Circuits Preload Test Sets, over-voltage trips do not blow a fuse, eliminating the need to have replacement fuses or redundant conventional voltage detectors in an Armament Circuits Preload Test Set. Additionally, the digital voltage detector provides a digital voltage readout allowing the user to view the input voltage during a Presence of Voltage test. The digital voltage detector system facilitates timely and efficient execution of the Armament Circuits Preload Test series.