In-Water Voltage Gradient Detector with Photovoltaic Power
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for detecting voltage gradients in water, such as the Voltage Gradient Probe, are limited in their ability to passively monitor for hazardous AC voltage gradients and do not effectively address the risks of electrocution and electroshock drowning, especially in older facilities or open water environments, and they do not account for lower voltage gradients that cause corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A device with a pair of spaced-apart electrodes and a light-emitting diode (LED) connected by conductors, where the separation and response characteristics of the LED are set to illuminate at a target threshold voltage, providing a visible warning of dangerous voltage gradients, and optionally using paired LEDs for polarity detection and amplifiers for lower gradients, with optional audio or visual alarms for increased safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a hand-held probe with battery power is used to detect voltage gradients, then the device can actively detect AC voltages, but the battery life is limited to 10 days and it cannot passively monitor locations continuously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs photovoltaic cells that convert ambient light into electrical energy, enabling the device to power itself and eliminate the need for battery replacement. This self-service mechanism allows continuous passive monitoring without manual intervention for power supply maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy source parameter from finite battery power to renewable photovoltaic power, transforming the device from requiring periodic manual recharging to providing continuous autonomous operation for extended durations
2Reliability
If GFCI circuit breakers are installed on AC power lines to protect against electrocution, then protection is provided in facilities with such breakers, but older facilities without GFCI remain unprotected and are subject to greater risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the protection system from the electrical power distribution system by using a separate, independent voltage gradient detector that directly monitors water voltage gradients without relying on GFCI circuit breakers, making it applicable to older facilities regardless of their electrical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection device that measures voltage gradients in water directly, serving as a mediator between the electrical equipment and the water environment, providing protection information without being part of the power distribution system
3Measurement precision
If the separation between electrodes is increased to detect lower voltage gradients causing corrosion, then sensitivity to lower gradients improves, but the voltage threshold for LED activation must be adjusted accordingly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electrode separation distance adjustable, allowing users to dynamically change the separation distance based on the specific application requirements - larger separation for detecting lower gradients causing corrosion, smaller separation for detecting higher gradients posing electrocution risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter by adjusting electrode separation distance, enabling the same device to detect different voltage gradient magnitudes - smaller separations for higher gradients (electrocution risk) and larger separations for lower gradients (corrosion risk)
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 device effectively warns individuals of potentially deadly voltage gradients in water, detects lower gradients that cause corrosion, and can be used in various configurations for submerged or floating applications, providing a visible or audible alert without the need for external power.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting diode (LED) connected by conductors between the first and second electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage gradient detector provides notice when a potentially hazardous voltage gradient is present in water, employing at least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes connected to an LED. The electrode spacing is selected such that, when exposed to a sufficiently large voltage gradient, the voltage between the electrodes causes activation of the LED. The LED can provide visual illumination, or can be a part of a switching device such as a photoMOS relay that in turn activates an alarm device such as an audible sounder or a high-intensity light. Sensitivity in multiple directions can be attained by employing a pair of LEDs between the electrodes, and by employing three pairs of electrodes and associated LED pairs, with the pairs of electrodes being spaced apart along substantially orthogonal axes. These pairs may be discrete or may share an electrode in common.