Elastic Sleeve Centering for Current Sensor Conductors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mounting and centering electric current conductors in electric current sensors are laborious, inaccurate, and require additional installation steps, leading to suboptimal measurement quality and prolonged operation times.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve made of elastic material with flexible lips and a through passage design that automatically centers and secures electric current conductors within the sensor, eliminating the need for additional centering tools and allowing the sensor to be self-supported.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional centering methods (cardboard wedges, clamps) are used, then centering can be achieved, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is made of elastic material that automatically adapts to center the conductor without external tools. The elastic property allows the sleeve to self-adjust and maintain centering through its natural deformation, eliminating the need for cardboard wedges, clamps, or other manual centering devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material's ability to change its physical state (deform and recover) enables automatic centering. The sleeve deforms to accommodate the conductor and then returns to its original shape, maintaining precise centering without requiring manual adjustment or additional components.
2Measurement precision
If traditional centering methods are used, then centering can be achieved, but measurement quality and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve provides consistent, repeatable centering through its material properties alone, eliminating variability introduced by manual methods. Each installation automatically achieves the same centering quality without relying on operator skill or additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material's reversible deformation ensures that the sleeve maintains optimal centering parameters throughout operation. The material returns to its original shape after deformation, ensuring consistent measurement conditions and reliable results.
3Ease of operation
If additional connecting members and support structures are used, then mounting can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic sleeve combines multiple functions into a single component: it centers the conductor, secures it axially, and provides structural support for the sensor. This eliminates the need for separate centering devices, clamps, and support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The single elastic sleeve performs multiple functions simultaneously: centering, securing, and supporting. This multi-functional design reduces the overall complexity of the mounting system while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
4Ease of operation
If additional support structures are installed, then sensor mounting can be achieved, but installation time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
By combining centering and support functions into the single elastic sleeve, the installation process is simplified to one step: inserting the conductor through the sleeve. This eliminates multiple separate installation steps required for traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic sleeve automatically performs all mounting functions upon insertion, requiring no additional installation steps. The conductor's insertion itself activates the centering and securing mechanisms, dramatically reducing installation time.
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
Ensures precise and reliable electric current measurements across a wide range of currents without the need for improvisational methods, reducing installation time and enhancing measurement quality.
Implementation Method 1
said sleeve is made of an elastic material and comprises two flexible lips extending radially around its outer periphery
Implementation Method 2
said flexible lips being arranged to adopt a mounting position in which they are deformed and folded in the direction of said sleeve and a rest position in which they are deployed
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device (1) has an electrically insulating sleeve (5) provided with a truncated through-passage extended between an input orifice (60) and an output orifice (61) along a symmetry axis (S) of the sleeve. The sleeve includes flexible lips extending radially around outer periphery on either side of an intermediate zone of the sleeve. The lips are arranged for utilizing a mounting position in which the lips are deformed and folded toward the sleeve, and a rest position in which the lips are deployed. Outer section of the zone and/or section of the orifices have circular or polygonal shape. An independent claim is also included for an electric current sensor.