Electrical Connection Quality Detection via Temperature and Current Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring electrical connection quality are hazardous, time-consuming, and prone to user error, as they require periodic thermal scanning with infrared cameras, which may not detect issues between maintenance cycles and lack objective pass/fail criteria.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising temperature and current sensors that monitor electrical connections, correlate temperature responses with connection quality, and provide warnings when thresholds are exceeded, allowing for continuous monitoring without exposing operators to electrical hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If periodic thermal scanning with infrared cameras is used to monitor electrical connection quality, then operator safety is improved by avoiding direct contact with hazardous electrical components, but detection reliability deteriorates because issues may go undetected between maintenance cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of electrical connections using temperature sensors and current sensors that constantly track connection quality parameters. This continuous action eliminates the gaps between periodic manual inspections, ensuring issues are detected immediately when they occur while maintaining operator safety through automated remote monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting temperature anomalies and correlation issues between temperature and current readings. The system generates its own diagnostic data without requiring operator intervention, continuously assessing connection quality and alerting to problems before they become critical.
2Measurement precision
If manual thermal scanning with infrared cameras is performed, then measurement capability is provided, but time consumption increases due to periodic inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors electrical connections without interruption, eliminating the time required for periodic manual inspections. Temperature sensors and current sensors operate continuously, providing constant connection quality assessment and immediate problem detection, thereby converting a time-consuming periodic task into an instantaneous continuous process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical thermal scanning with automated electronic sensing systems. Temperature sensors and current sensors automatically collect and analyze data, substituting the manual infrared camera inspection process with an automated electronic monitoring system that operates without human intervention and provides continuous real-time data.
3Measurement precision
If automated temperature and current monitoring is implemented, then detection accuracy is improved through objective threshold comparison, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses a controller that performs multiple functions: it receives temperature sensor data, receives current sensor data, compares temperature to current readings, determines correlation relationships, and generates alerts. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated controller, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that mediates between the raw sensor data and the diagnostic conclusions. The controller objectively compares temperature readings with current readings, determines correlation relationships, and makes determination about connection quality. This intermediary layer provides objective, consistent decision-making that eliminates human subjectivity while managing system complexity through centralized intelligent processing.
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 frequent, accurate, and consistent evaluation of electrical connection quality, reducing the risk of undetected problems and operator exposure to hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a temperature of the electrical connection
Implementation Method 2
monitoring a level of current passing through the electrical connection
Implementation Method 3
Increased resistance may affect the performance of the connection and subsequently the performance of the circuits connected via the electrical contacts. For example, increased resistance may reduce current through the connection and/or increase temperature in the electrical contacts.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of monitoring an electrical connection, the method comprising monitoring a temperature of the electrical connection, monitoring a level of current passing through the electrical connection, and determining, in response to monitoring temperature and current, whether the temperature of the electrical connection exceeds a temperature threshold associated with the level of current passing through the electrical connection.