Leaf Spring Detection Probe for Non-Contact Voltage Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-contact voltage measuring apparatuses require manual winding of detection probes around conductive wires, which is time-consuming and poses a risk of electric shock.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact voltage measuring apparatus with a detection probe that elastically deforms to wind around the conductive wire without manual intervention, creating a larger coupling capacitance for accurate voltage measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual winding of detection probe is used to increase coupling capacitance, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement accuracyVSAvoidmanual winding time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection probe automatically winds around the conductive wire using its own elastic deformation properties. The probe is made of elastic material that naturally returns to its original curved shape after being straightened, enabling self-winding without manual intervention. This eliminates the time-consuming manual winding operation while maintaining the coupling capacitance needed for accurate measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of the detection probe by applying tension to transform it from a curved state to a straight state. When the probe is brought near the conductive wire, the tension causes it to elastically deform and wind around the wire. This parameter change (from curved to straight under tension) enables automatic winding while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual winding of detection probe is used to create coupling capacitance, then voltage measurement is achieved, but risk of electric shock increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage measurement capabilityVSAvoidelectric shock risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection probe performs the winding action automatically through its elastic properties without requiring the operator to touch the conductive wire. The probe itself executes the positioning and winding task, eliminating the need for manual contact with potentially live wires and thus removing the electric shock hazard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the manual mechanical winding operation with an elastic deformation mechanism. Instead of using human hands to wind the probe, the elastic material's natural tendency to return to its original shape provides the mechanical action needed for winding, substituting a safe automated mechanism for a dangerous manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If detection probe is made flexible to increase contact area, then coupling capacitance increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling capacitance valueVSAvoidprobe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection probe is constructed from elastic material that can flex and deform. This flexibility allows the probe to conform to the conductive wire and increase contact area, thereby increasing coupling capacitance. The elastic material itself serves as both the structural element and the flexible component, avoiding the need for complex mechanical mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 apparatus allows for safe and efficient measurement of conductive wire voltages without manual winding, reducing the risk of electric shock and improving measurement accuracy by increasing coupling capacitance.

Implementation Method 1

When the insulation coating and the detection probe get in close proximity to each other, a coupling capacitance is created between the detection probe and the conductive wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a coupling capacitance is created between the detection probe and the conductive wire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

If an AC current flows through the conductive wire when a coupling capacitance is created between the detection probe and the conductive wire, an induced voltage is generated on the detection probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

The detection probe elastically deforms between a first state in which the detection probe extends in a longitudinal direction of the detection probe against a tension acting in the detection probe and a second state in which the detection probe winds in a direction in which the tension acts

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3101434B1Non-contact voltage measuring apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 OMRON CORP
  • EP3101434B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3101434B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3101434B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There is provided a non-contact voltage measuring sensor (1) in which a detection probe (11) is configured with a leaf spring and in which, when an external force is applied, the detection probe (11) deforms winding in a direction in which a tension of the leaf spring acts.