Harmonic Test Signal Method for Electrical Wiring Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing wiring in electrical installations with multiple circuits are time-consuming and lack the ability to unambiguously identify wiring errors, such as conductor mix-ups or polarity reversals.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the generation of multiple test signals, each comprising a combination of predefined harmonics with at least one higher harmonic having different amplitudes and/or phases, allowing for unambiguous identification of wiring errors by distinguishing between test signals based on their harmonic characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional test methods are used to check wiring in electrical installations with multiple circuits, then wiring errors can be detected, but the testing process becomes time-consuming and requires numerous measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test signal into multiple frequency components (harmonics), where each harmonic serves as a unique identifier for a specific circuit. This segmentation allows parallel testing of multiple circuits simultaneously, reducing the time required compared to sequential testing methods while maintaining reliable error detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic test signals with specific harmonic frequencies that can be injected simultaneously into multiple circuits. By using periodic signals with distinct frequency characteristics, the system can process multiple circuits in parallel through frequency-domain analysis, significantly reducing total testing time while ensuring accurate wiring error detection.
2Productivity
If multiple test signals are injected simultaneously into multiple circuits, then testing efficiency improves, but it becomes difficult to unambiguously identify which test signal corresponds to which circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique frequency signatures (analogous to color codes) to each test signal by injecting different harmonic content into each circuit. The evaluation device analyzes the frequency spectrum of received signals to identify which circuit each signal originates from, enabling unambiguous identification even when multiple signals are present simultaneously, thus maintaining high testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the harmonic parameters (frequency, amplitude) of test signals injected into different circuits. By changing these parameters systematically, each circuit's test signal develops a unique spectral fingerprint that the evaluation device can recognize and trace back to the correct circuit, preventing signal confusion while enabling parallel testing.
3Reliability
If DC voltage test methods are used to check polarity, then polarity and phase assignment can be verified, but the method requires two persons and precise coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables a single operator to perform polarity verification by injecting test signals with specific harmonic characteristics and using the evaluation device to automatically analyze the responses. The system self-evaluates the polarity and phase assignment by comparing the harmonic content of injected versus received signals, eliminating the need for coordinated two-person operation while maintaining verification reliability.
4Reliability
If conventional test methods are used, then wiring errors can be detected, but the type of wiring error cannot be directly established
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the evaluation device compares the harmonic content of injected test signals with the harmonic content of received signals. By analyzing deviations in frequency, phase, and amplitude of harmonics, the system provides feedback information that not only detects wiring errors but also identifies their specific types (e.g., conductor mix-ups, polarity reversals, open circuits), preserving complete error characterization information.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for testing wiring of an electrical installation having multiple circuits. In the method, multiple test signals are generated. Each of the multiple test signals has a combination of predefined harmonics having at least one higher harmonic, wherein the amplitude and/or phase of the at least one higher harmonic of the multiple test signals are different. The multiple test signals are injected into multiple first connections, which are assigned to the multiple circuits, at a first point of the electrical installation.