Dual-Polarity Continuity Test System for Long-Distance Low-Resistance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical continuity testing is hindered by factors such as electrical interference and distance, which reduce accuracy and make single-person testing impractical, especially when measuring resistance across large distances.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polarity measurement system comprising a base signal generation unit and a mobile measurement unit, connected via a communications channel, that uses a controllable switching device and measurement devices like Kelvin clamps to generate and measure signals, and processes parameters to provide accurate continuity test outputs, even in the presence of noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If filtering or multiple measurements with reversed voltage direction are used to mitigate electrical interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a dual-polarity measurement signal that alternates between positive and negative voltage directions. This periodic reversal of the measurement signal parameter allows the system to distinguish between interference components and actual resistance measurements, improving accuracy without requiring complex filtering circuits or multiple separate measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through the alternating polarity measurement signal that switches between positive and negative directions at regular intervals. This periodic reversal enables the system to capture multiple measurements with different polarity states, allowing mathematical processing to eliminate interference components while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.
2Measurement precision
If additional measurements or wires are used to eliminate interference, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the measurement signal from single-polarity to dual-polarity, allowing the same physical measurement path to be used for multiple measurement states. This eliminates the need for additional wires or measurement paths while maintaining high measurement accuracy through mathematical processing of the alternating polarity measurements.
3Ease of operation
If a base unit and mobile unit are used to enable single-person testing over large distances, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into a base unit containing the signal generator and a mobile measurement unit, connected via communication channel. This segmentation enables single-person operation over large distances while maintaining measurement accuracy because the dual-polarity measurement technique is distributed across the segmented system, with the mobile unit performing local measurements that are processed to eliminate interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a communication channel as an intermediary between the base unit and mobile measurement unit. This intermediary enables the transmission of measurement signals and data over distance while the dual-polarity measurement technique ensures that measurement accuracy is maintained despite the physical separation and potential interference in the communication path.
4Ease of operation
If measurement is performed over large distances, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability worsen due to increased noise effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action with the alternating polarity measurement signal to enable accurate measurements over large distances. The periodic reversal of voltage direction allows the system to capture interference patterns that can be mathematically separated from the actual resistance measurement, maintaining accuracy even when the measurement points are far apart and susceptible to environmental noise.
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 low-resistance measurements up to 200 meters with high precision (0.1 mΩ) and maintains performance despite background noise, allowing single-operator testing with improved battery life and lead integrity verification.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the resistance is essential in adequately understanding the system or item being tested. In some applications, a high level of accuracy is required. Devices and systems for measuring resistance typically apply a known voltage (or current) between the two points and measure the resultant current (or voltage) between the two points, and then, the two values are divided in accordance with Ohm's law to determine the resistance.
Implementation Method 2
Some existing test devices or systems utilise filtering to mitigate the effect of interference; some employ a method of reversing the direction of the applied voltage (or current) and making multiple measurements to eliminate low frequency and DC interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuity test system (100), includes a base unit (1) and a mobile unit (9). The base unit (1) is adapted to be connected to a first portion of a test item, and, the mobile unit (9) is both interconnected to said base unit (1), and adapted to be connected to a second portion of said test item. The continuity test system (100) includes a signal generator (2), adapted to generate a dual polarity measurement signal, a measurement unit (14), adapted to measure electrical parameters of said test item (16)as said dual polarity measurement signal is applied thereto, and, a processor (13, 4), to process said measured electrical parameters and provide a resultant continuity test signal output.