Integrated Electrical Sensor Probe With Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical current and voltage measurement methods require significant manual labor and pose safety risks due to the need for precise positioning and handling of external lead wires, especially when dealing with high voltages or currents.
Innovation Solution
Development of integrated electrical sensor probes or tags with measurement circuitry that can encircle or clip onto conductors, eliminating the need for external meters and lead wires, and enabling wireless data transmission of measured parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clamp meters or auxiliary flexible probes are used for current measurement, then current measurement capability is achieved, but user safety is compromised and manual positioning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement circuitry directly into the probe body, merging the sensing function and display function into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate external meters and lead wires, allowing users to simply attach the probe to conductors and immediately obtain measurements, thereby reducing positioning time and improving safety by minimizing user exposure to electrical hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement and display functions from conventional external meter devices and relocates them directly into the probe itself. This extraction eliminates the need for users to handle external lead wires and position separate meter devices, thereby reducing manual labor and positioning time while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary flexible probes with external leads are used, then measurement flexibility is improved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the probe structure with the measurement circuitry and display components into a single self-contained unit. This integration eliminates the need for external lead wires and separate meter devices, thereby reducing handling complexity while preserving measurement flexibility through the probe's ability to encircle or contact various conductor configurations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional meter devices with external leads are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but manual labor and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement and display functions from external meter devices and integrates them directly into the probe body. This extraction eliminates the need for users to handle external lead wires and position separate meter devices, thereby reducing manual labor while maintaining precise electrical parameter measurement capabilities through the integrated circuitry.
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
These sensors allow for convenient and safe measurement of electrical parameters without the need for conventional meter devices or external leads, reducing manual labor and associated risks while providing quick and accurate data access.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical sensor may utilize a Rogowski coil, an iron (or ferrite) core current transformer, or other appropriate component for sensing current through induction
Implementation Method 2
the electrical sensor may utilize a Hall effect sensor, which can allow both AC and DC measurements
Implementation Method 3
the electrical sensor may be configured to sense voltage via capacitive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
Various techniques are disclosed for providing electrical current and/or voltage sensor probes or tags integrated with measurement circuitry. For example, an electrical sensor is provided that includes a probe adapted to be arranged to at least partially encircle a conductor to be measured, wherein the probe has a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end terminating in a base portion that houses measurement circuitry. The base portion may also include electrical components suitable for displaying, wirelessly transmitting, and/or otherwise conveying the measured electrical parameters. In some embodiments, the distal end of the probe may be removably received by the base portion, such that the probe forms a loop encircling the conductor when measuring it. In other embodiments, the probe may resiliently clip on to the conductor. In another example, an electrical sensor includes an attachable tag that can be mounted to the conductor to be measured.