Leakage Electromagnetic Field Sensing for Inductive Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of electrical inductive equipment face challenges in determining a safe proximity due to the lack of accurate feedback on leakage electromagnetic fields, which can interfere with electronic devices and pose risks, as conventional safety guards do not protect against dispersed electromagnetic fields.

Innovation Solution

A leakage electromagnetic field sensing device with a sensor probe measuring three-axis components of the field intensity and frequency, coupled with a data processing module that calculates a safety factor and displays alerts through color-coded LEDs, providing operators with real-time feedback on safe operating distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If plastic guards and non-electrically conductive materials are used to prevent direct contact with high voltage connections, then electrical contact safety is improved, but protection against leakage electromagnetic fields remains insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against leakage electromagnetic fieldsVSAvoidsafety protection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary device (electromagnetic field sensing device with sensor probe) that mediates between the leakage electromagnetic fields and the operators. This intermediary measures the field intensity and provides feedback, enabling operators to understand and manage the electromagnetic exposure without requiring complex protective structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor probe continuously measures the leakage electromagnetic field intensity and transmits this information to the operator. This feedback loop enables operators to adjust their position or behavior based on real-time field strength data, replacing the need for complex passive protective barriers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If operators maintain greater distance from electrical inductive equipment to avoid electromagnetic field exposure, then interference with electronic devices is reduced, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with electronic devicesVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor probe provides real-time feedback on leakage electromagnetic field intensity, allowing operators to dynamically adjust their distance from the equipment based on actual field strength rather than using fixed conservative distances. This enables operators to work closer to equipment when safe, improving productivity while maintaining electronic device protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of field intensity measurement to provide quantitative data about electromagnetic exposure. By measuring and reporting the actual field strength (in arbitrary units), the system enables operators to make informed decisions about safe working distances based on real-time conditions rather than static guidelines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If conventional safety guidelines are used that suggest operators not to get close to electrical equipment, then safety is maintained, but accurate safety assessment and operational flexibility are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety assuranceVSAvoidaccurate safety feedback
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces vague safety guidelines with quantitative feedback from the sensor probe that measures actual leakage electromagnetic field intensity. This provides operators with accurate, real-time information about safety conditions, enabling informed decisions about safe working distances while maintaining flexibility in operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes mechanical safety barriers and vague procedural guidelines with an electromagnetic field sensing system that provides quantitative data. This substitution transforms safety management from passive physical protection to active measurement-based decision making, providing accurate safety feedback without restricting operational flexibility.

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

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 enables operators to accurately assess the impact of leakage electromagnetic fields on electronic devices, ensuring safe operation by providing clear visual alerts, thus minimizing interference and risk.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor probe configured to measure an intensity and frequency of a leakage electromagnetic field, the sensor probe sensing three-axis components of the leakage electromagnetic field intensity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

calculate a safety factor output based on the absolute magnitude of the leakage electromagnetic field intensity and the frequency of the leakage electromagnetic field, the safety factor indicating a level of interference to operation of an electronic device caused by the leakage electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11047895B2Apparatus and method for leakage electromagnetic field sensing in electrical inductive equipment
Publication Date: 2021.06.29 OVANDO MARTINEZ ROBERTO B B
  • US11047895B2 patent drawing
  • US11047895B2 patent drawing
  • US11047895B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A leakage electromagnetic field sensing device that determines a level of interference of a leakage electromagnetic field includes a sensor probe configured to measure the intensity and frequency of the leakage electromagnetic field, the sensor probe sensing three-axis components of the intensity. A data processing module operatively coupled to the sensor probe includes a processor programmed to analyze the three-axis components of the leakage electromagnetic field intensity to determine an absolute magnitude of the leakage electromagnetic field intensity and calculate a safety factor output based on the absolute magnitude of the intensity and on the frequency of the leakage electromagnetic field that indicates a level of interference to operation of an electronic device caused by the leakage electromagnetic field. A display element in operable communication with the processor illuminates in one of a plurality of colors based on a value of the safety factor output.