Galvanic Isolation Measuring System for Electrical Disturbance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems are unable to reliably detect both high-energy and low-energy disturbances in electrical networks without interfering with the signal, leading to potential damage from repeated low-energy impulses and inadequate monitoring of ongoing operations.

Innovation Solution

A measuring system comprising inductive sensor units and an evaluation unit that uses a transformer for galvanic isolation, allowing simultaneous detection of high-energy and low-energy pulses without mutual influence, utilizing a high-frequency bridge for common mode signals and differential signals to distinguish and record frequencies from 1 Hz to several GHz.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing measuring devices are used to detect disturbances, then high-energy disturbances can be detected, but low-energy disturbances cannot be reliably detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability for low-energy disturbancesVSAvoidreliability of disturbance detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring system is divided into two separate sensor units: a first sensor unit for detecting high-energy disturbances and a second sensor unit for detecting low-energy disturbances. Each sensor unit is optimized for its specific detection range, allowing the system to reliably detect both high-energy and low-energy disturbances without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If measurement devices are introduced into the device or system, then disturbances can be detected, but the measuring device alters the signals on the cables

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisturbance detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal alteration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

A transformer is introduced as an intermediary component between the sensor units and the evaluation unit. The transformer provides galvanic isolation, allowing the sensor units to detect disturbances on the cables without directly contacting or altering the signals. This mediator enables accurate measurement while preserving the integrity of the original signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring is implemented, then ongoing operations can be monitored, but the complexity of the measuring system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation unit is designed to process signals from both the first sensor unit (high-energy disturbances) and the second sensor unit (low-energy disturbances) using a unified evaluation logic. This multi-functional approach allows continuous monitoring of both disturbance types without requiring separate complex processing systems, thereby managing system complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 continuous monitoring and retrospective analysis of disturbances, allowing for the identification of causes of device failures and malfunctions without altering the useful signal, providing data for diagnosis and remediation.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer (Ü) is arranged between the sensor unit (S1) and the evaluation unit (AE), with the sensor unit (S1) being connectable to the primary side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGalvanic isolation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

inductive sensor units and an evaluation unit that uses a transformer for galvanic isolation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3680678B1Measuring system for detecting interference on lines of an device or a system
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3680678B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3680678B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3680678B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a measuring system (1) for detecting disturbances on the line of a device or system, comprising an evaluation unit (AE) and at least one sensor unit (S1), wherein the measuring system (1) is further configured to determine, with respect to a disturbance, whether the disturbance is higher frequency or lower frequency with respect to a predetermined cutoff frequency, and wherein the measuring system (1) is further configured to provide data with respect to one or more disturbances.