Fuse-Blow Voltage Transient Detection With Persistent LED Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detecting infrequent electrical transients in industrial systems is costly and time-consuming, requiring expensive equipment and prone to signal loss due to electrical noise and high electric fields, making it challenging to route and transmit signals effectively.
Innovation Solution
A voltage transient detector system comprising a printed circuit board with multiple voltage transient detectors, each configured to detect transient voltages above a specific threshold, using a light emitting diode and a fuse to provide a persistent indication of voltage transients, immune to electrical noise and compact in design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data acquisition system is connected to electrical measurement device to continuously acquire and analyze large amounts of electrical measurement data, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex data acquisition systems. By using a simple voltage divider circuit with a capacitor and resistor to detect voltage transients, the invention removes the need for expensive oscilloscopes and data loggers, achieving reliable transient detection through a minimal circuit configuration that only requires basic components already present in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components such as capacitors, resistors, and LEDs that can be easily replaced. The detection circuit uses basic electronic components rather than expensive measurement equipment, and the LED indicator serves as a simple, low-cost means to provide persistent indication of transient events without requiring complex data storage or analysis systems.
2Measurement precision
If large and expensive equipment such as oscilloscope and data logger are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to interference with system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection function directly into the existing system wiring. The voltage divider circuit is formed using existing system components (capacitor and resistor already present in the system), eliminating the need for separate external measurement equipment. This integration allows transient detection without adding bulky equipment that would interfere with system operation or require complex setup procedures.
3Ease of operation
If electrical wiring is used to route electrical signals out of enclosed equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to signal loss from electrical noise and high electric fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission. Instead of routing electrical signals through wiring that is susceptible to noise and electric fields, the invention uses an LED to convert electrical transient events into optical signals. These optical signals can be transmitted through optical fibers or simply observed visually, eliminating the problem of electrical interference while maintaining ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If power is removed from system under test and data acquisition system, then safety is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loss of information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by providing persistent indication of transients before power removal. The LED indicator remains illuminated or maintains its state to show that a transient event has occurred, providing a permanent visual record that survives power removal. This allows operators to see evidence of transients even after the system is powered down for safety, eliminating the need to maintain power solely for data retention.
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
The system provides a cost-effective, reliable, and compact means to detect voltage transients with minimal power consumption and interference, ensuring persistent indication of transient occurrences even in high electric field environments.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electrical current through a light emitting diode and a fuse that is serially connected between the light emitting diode and a reference potential, such that the light emitting diode is illuminated when the fuse is not blown
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage transient detector includes circuitry for transmitting electrical current through a light emitting diode and a fuse that is serially connected between the light emitting diode and a reference potential, such that the light emitting diode is illuminated when the fuse is not blown. The voltage transient detector also includes circuitry for transmitting a controlled amount of electrical current through the fuse in conjunction with an occurrence of a voltage transient at a voltage measurement location, where the voltage transient exceeds a set transient threshold voltage. The controlled amount of electrical current transmitted through the fuse causing the fuse to blow and the light emitting diode to turn off, thereby indicating occurrence of the voltage transient at the voltage measurement location.