Electric Fence Energiser Pulse Control for Variable Fence Losses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric fence energizers face challenges in efficiently managing output voltage, reducing human intervention, and minimizing energy losses, particularly due to non-linear losses along the fence, which can lead to safety concerns and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A selective fence energizer system that adjusts the energy or waveshape of each pulse based on measured energy losses, using bipolar pulses and a controller to optimize energy delivery, allowing for real-time adjustments and reduced energy waste by varying the polarity and waveform of pulses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the output voltage of the energiser is increased to compensate for fence losses, then the effective fence voltage is maintained, but energy losses increase exponentially and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefence voltage effectivenessVSAvoidenergy losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of energiser output voltage based on real-time fence conditions. The controller continuously monitors fence voltage and adjusts the output voltage dynamically rather than operating at a fixed high voltage, thereby maintaining effectiveness while minimizing energy losses and safety risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback control system where the controller monitors fence voltage and uses this information to adjust the energiser output. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain minimum effective voltage without excessive voltage increases, optimizing energy efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If a single energiser serves the entire fence, then device complexity is reduced, but energy losses along the fence cannot be selectively minimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of energisersVSAvoidselective energy loss minimization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the fence into multiple zones with different energisers or switching arrangements, allowing selective control of energy output to different sections. This segmentation enables the system to address localized loading issues without increasing overall system complexity significantly, as each zone can be independently optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different energy levels or switching strategies to different portions of the fence based on local conditions. By providing tailored energy delivery to specific zones rather than uniform coverage, the system minimizes energy losses in areas with high loading while maintaining effectiveness elsewhere.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If real-time measurement and adjustment of fence energy losses is implemented, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity and control algorithm requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy loss measurement precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system with sensors that continuously monitor fence voltage and energy losses. This real-time feedback enables precise measurement of energy losses and automatic adjustment of energiser output, improving energy efficiency while managing complexity through automated control algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables the fence system to self-monitor and self-adjust its energy delivery. The control system automatically detects energy losses and modifies energiser output without external intervention, reducing the need for complex manual control while improving energy efficiency through continuous optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of manufacture

If mechanically operated switches are used to select output terminals, then ease of manufacture is improved, but labour intensity and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching mechanism simplicityVSAvoiduser intervention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switching mechanisms with electronic or automated switching controlled by a controller. This substitution eliminates the need for manual mechanical operation while maintaining the ability to select different output terminals, significantly improving ease of operation without complicating the overall system through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This approach enhances energy efficiency and safety by minimizing energy losses and maintaining an effective fence voltage, reducing the need for mechanical intervention and improving the overall performance of electric fence systems.

Implementation Method 1

an energiser which delivers energy to a fence in the form of a succession of pulses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical pulse generation:

Implementation Method 2

the energy loss from the fence is measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy measurement:

Implementation Method 3

the step of varying the energy or waveshape of each pulse in a manner which is dependent on the amount of energy which is lost by the fence

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse waveform modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2168236A1Electric fence energiser
Publication Date: 2010.03.31 HURLY LESLIE SEAN

AI summary

A method and a system for controlling the operation of an energiser which delivers energy to a fence in the form of a succession of pulses, the energy or waveshape of each pulse is varied in a manner which is dependent on the amount of energy which is lost by the fence for at least one pulse which is applied to the fence.