Automated Electrical Network Inspection via Test Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems face challenges in verifying correct connections and identifying maintenance needs, especially in large networks where ensuring every connection is secure and functional is difficult, especially during outages or when equipment is idle.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a diagnostic device that generates test signals and a monitoring device that implements test procedures on electrical devices through energy transfer links, allowing for the determination of device conditions and sending return signals with results, enabling efficient inspection and maintenance planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to verify electrical connections, then connection quality can be confirmed, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated electrical testing system that uses diagnostic devices to generate test signals and automatically analyze connection quality, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical system performs self-diagnosis by automatically generating test signals, measuring connection parameters, and identifying issues without external intervention, enabling the system to verify its own connection quality efficiently
2Reliability
If comprehensive testing of all electrical connections is performed, then system reliability improves, but the complexity of the testing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into modular functional components including signal generation, signal injection, parameter measurement, and analysis modules, allowing comprehensive testing capability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic device is designed to perform multiple testing functions and evaluate various connection types using a single integrated system, reducing overall testing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive reliability verification capability
3Productivity
If automated diagnostic systems are implemented, then inspection efficiency increases, but the initial system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces energy transfer links as intermediary components that carry test signals through the electrical system, enabling automated diagnostics without requiring direct physical access to all connection points and reducing the complexity of the diagnostic apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection processes are replaced with automated electrical signal-based diagnostics, significantly improving inspection efficiency while the modular design keeps system complexity manageable
4Productivity
If electrical systems are inspected during operation, then system availability is maintained, but measurement accuracy may be affected by operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The diagnostic system performs periodic testing of electrical connections during normal operation, maintaining system availability while achieving measurement accuracy through repeated measurements and statistical analysis that filter out operational noise and variations
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical system can include a diagnostic device that generates a first test signal. The electrical system can also include multiple energy transfer links coupled to the diagnostic device, where the first test signals flows through a first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can further include a first monitoring device coupled to the first subset of energy transfer links, where the first monitoring device receives the first test signal from the diagnostic device through the first subset of the energy transfer links. The electrical system can also include a first electrical device coupled to the first monitoring device. The first monitoring device can implement a first test procedure based on the first test signal, where the first test procedure helps determine a first condition of the first electrical device.