Handheld AC Voltage Locator with Integrated Calibration Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held locating devices face challenges in accurately determining the location of concealed AC voltages within workpieces, especially under unfavorable conditions, due to environmental influences such as the operator's hand and the workpiece itself.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a calibration transmitter with multiple transmission antennas to emit calibration signals both into the workpiece and the operator's hand area, allowing for precise calibration and reduction of environmental influences, and a computing unit processes these signals to determine location information, potentially eliminating the need for a separate calibration device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate calibration device is used to compensate for environmental influences, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the calibration transmitter and locating device into a single integrated unit. The calibration transmitter is built into the hand-held locating device, allowing calibration functions to be performed using the same device that will subsequently perform the locating measurement. This eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand-held locating device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the calibration transmitter (emitting calibration signals) and the locating device (receiving and processing locating signals). This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while preserving the ability to achieve precise measurements through calibration.
2Measurement precision
If calibration signals are emitted into the workpiece and operator's hand area, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration transmitter emits calibration signals in a periodic manner rather than continuously. The signal transmission is activated during specific calibration phases and remains inactive during normal locating operations, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while still providing necessary calibration precision when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration signals are emitted in advance before the actual locating measurement takes place. This preliminary calibration action allows the system to compensate for environmental influences (workpiece and operator hand) before the main measurement, improving precision without requiring continuous energy expenditure during the entire locating process.
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 enables precise location determination of AC voltages even under unfavorable conditions, with efficient calibration of influences from both the workpiece and the operator's hand, enhancing the accuracy and simplicity of the locating process.
Implementation Method 1
A calibration transmitter (16) which is intended to emit at least one calibration signal (18, 20) for the AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
The locating device is preferably provided to at least receive a locating signal that has penetrated the workpiece
Implementation Method 3
a computing unit (26) which is provided to calibrate a locating result using calibration information which is dependent on a received portion of the calibration signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The hand-held locating device has a locating device (12) which is adapted to locate an AC voltage in a workpiece (14). A calibrating transmitter (16) emits the calibration signals (18,20) of the AC voltage to the workpiece. The locating device receives the portions (22,24) of the calibration signal for calibration purpose. A computing unit (26) calibrates the detection result using the calibration information of the calibration signals. An independent claim is included for a method for a method for calibration of hand-held locating device.