Inductive Circuit Line Identification System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
As the complexity of circuit line systems increases, especially in large office buildings and homes, identifying and locating individual circuit lines becomes difficult due to mislabeling and the need for frequent reconfiguration, which is time-consuming and often requires multiple people, disrupting service in critical systems.
Innovation Solution
A system using a transmitter to induce unique signals, such as ASCII characters, onto circuit lines through inductive coupling, allowing a receiver to identify and display the corresponding circuit line without physical connection, enabling rapid identification and verification of wiring configurations without interrupting service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional circuit identification methods are used, then circuit lines can be identified, but the process is time-consuming and requires multiple personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual testing process with an automated electronic signal-based system. The transmitter sends unique identification signals through circuit lines, and the receiver automatically detects and displays these signals, eliminating the need for manual breaker flipping and visual observation by multiple personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an information copy of the circuit configuration by transmitting digital identification signals that represent each circuit line's identity. The receiver captures these signal copies and displays them, providing an accurate representation of the physical circuit connections without physically tracing each wire.
2Measurement precision
If manual circuit breaker testing is performed, then circuit identification can be achieved, but service disruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical circuit breaker switching with non-intrusive electronic signal transmission. The transmitter sends identification signals through the circuit lines without requiring breaker changes or service interruptions, allowing continuous operation while enabling accurate circuit identification.
3Adaptability or versatility
If circuit systems are expanded to meet changing needs, then adaptability improves, but circuit complexity and identification difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the transmitter sends identification signals and the receiver provides immediate feedback by displaying the detected circuit identity. This closed-loop system allows electricians to quickly verify circuit connections even in complex, frequently reconfigured systems, maintaining adaptability while managing complexity through rapid information feedback.
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 rapid and accurate identification of individual circuit lines in complex systems with minimal disruption, reducing the number of personnel required and preventing service interruptions, while allowing for verification of wiring diagrams and detection of neutral conductor connections.
Implementation Method 1
A transmitter is configured for inducing one or more signals, each comprising a circuit indicator, upon a one or more circuit lines
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods presented herein locate and/or identify a circuit within an electrical system. In one embodiment, a transmitter is configured for inducing signals upon a plurality of circuit lines (e.g., power lines, communication lines, lighting circuits, etc.) with each circuit line having a unique signal to identify it from other circuit lines. Each signal may be induced upon an individual circuit line by a inductive coupling clip coupled about the circuit line. The transmitter may be used at a distribution point of the circuit lines, such as circuit breaker box. A receiver can then receive a signal from a distal point on the circuit line to acquire the unique signal induced thereon and identify determine which inductive coupling clip is coupled thereto. For example. the signal may be decoded to display a number of the circuit line being tested.