Radially Expandable Sleeve for High Voltage Sensor Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage sensors for power cables face challenges in being easily and cost-effectively installed along the cable length, with exposed electronic components prone to damage and risk of electrical shock, and require a stable and orderly arrangement for reliable operation.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve system comprising a radially expandable or shrinkable tubular body with an embedded circuit board and a non-conductive jacket, allowing for secure placement on power cables with friction retention, protecting components, and facilitating electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electronic components are arranged outside the sleeve, then ease of assembly is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to exposure to environmental conditions and electrical shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board with electronic components is nested inside the sleeve body, which is itself nested on the power cable. The jacket further encloses the circuit board, creating a nested protective structure. This nesting arrangement protects electronic components while maintaining assembly simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve body acts as an intermediary structure between the power cable and the circuit board, providing mechanical support and protection. The jacket serves as an additional intermediary layer that specifically protects the circuit board from environmental conditions and electrical shock.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electric components are arranged close together, then device functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different electric and electronic components (electrodes, capacitors, transistors, resistors, inductors, integrated circuits) in various configurations. This single circuit board structure provides mechanical support, electrical connections, and spatial organization for diverse sensor components.
3Ease of operation
If the sleeve is made radially expandable or shrinkable for easy installation, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve body is designed with radially expandable or shrinkable properties, allowing it to dynamically change its dimensions. During installation, the sleeve can be expanded to facilitate placement over the cable, then shrunk to create a tight, stable fit that provides mechanical retention through friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial dimensions of the sleeve body are changed during installation - expanded initially for easy placement, then contracted to achieve a stable, friction-based retention. This parameter change enables both ease of installation and subsequent mechanical stability.
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 easy, cost-effective, and secure installation of voltage sensors on power cables, protecting electronic components and improving reliability by providing a stable platform for sensor components and ensuring mechanical and electrical protection.
Implementation Method 1
The sleeve is radially expandable or radially shrinkable and can thus be positioned on the cable at any desired position. An expandable sleeve can be pushed on a cable into a desired position. A shrinkable sleeve can be positioned on a cable in a desired position, and can then be shrunk down on the cable in that position. In both types of sleeves, friction between the sleeve and the cable keeps the sleeve in position.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Sleeve (1) for a high- or medium-voltage power cable (120) having an inner conductor (130). The sleeve comprises (i) a tubular sleeve body (10) having an electrically conductive or semiconductive first axial electrode section (60), and (ii) a circuit board (30). The sleeve is radially expandable or shrinkable. It can be arranged radially outward of the inner conductor, such hat the first axial electrode section is radially separated from the inner conductor by at least an electrically insulating spacer layer (140). The circuit board is at least partially arranged radially outward of the sleeve body and comprises an electrical contact (100) which is electrically connected with the first axial electrode section.