Light Guide Sensor for Galvanic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring current intensity in electrical conductors face challenges such as measurement falsification, increased manufacturing costs, and difficulty in scalability and use in harsh environments due to the need for galvanic contacting and fixed sensor positions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first component with an electrical conductor and a second component with an evaluation device, using a magnetic field-sensitive sensor element connected via a light guide connection line that allows for optical data transmission and power supply, ensuring the sensor element is fixed relative to the conductor and maintaining galvanic isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic contacting is used to connect the sensor element to the evaluation device, then the sensor element can be powered and read out, but measurement falsification risk increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical/galvanic connection system with an optical connection system. A light guide (optical fiber) transmits light between the sensor element and evaluation device, eliminating the need for galvanic contacting. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable data transmission while avoiding the measurement falsification risks and manufacturing complexity associated with electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide serves as an intermediary element between the sensor element and evaluation device. It transmits optical signals (light) to carry power and data without requiring direct electrical contact between the sensor and evaluation device, thus eliminating galvanic contacting while maintaining system functionality.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor element is integrated into the circuit of the electrical conductor, then current intensity can be measured, but scalability becomes impossible and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor element from direct integration into the electrical conductor circuit. The sensor element is positioned near the conductor to detect magnetic fields but is connected via optical fiber rather than electrical integration. This extraction enables scalability because the same sensor design can be applied to different conductors without requiring circuit integration, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If galvanic contacting is used for the sensor element, then the sensor can be read out, but use in chemically aggressive media becomes extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical connection (prone to corrosion in chemically aggressive media) with an optical connection using a light guide. Optical fibers are chemically inert and do not corrode, allowing the sensor to be deployed in chemically aggressive environments while maintaining readout capability through light transmission rather than electrical contact.
4Reliability
If a magnetic field-sensitive sensor element is used, then galvanic isolation can be achieved, but the sensor element must be arranged in a fixed position relative to the conductor
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide acts as an intermediary that allows flexible positioning of the sensor element. Since the connection is optical rather than electrical, the sensor can be positioned optimally for magnetic field detection without being constrained by electrical connection requirements, reducing positioning complexity while maintaining galvanic isolation.
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
This solution provides accurate and scalable current intensity measurement while avoiding measurement errors and enabling use in chemically demanding environments, with reduced manufacturing costs and simplified sensor data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The connection line is designed as a light guide, in particular comprising at least one optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field-sensitive sensor element, wherein the sensor element is fixed in position in a determined operating position relative to the electrical conductor in an operating state of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a current intensity of a current flowing through an electrical conductor (10), where the system includes a first component (1), which has the electrical conductor (10), and a second component (2), which is separate from the first component (1) and has an evaluation device (23), and a magnetic field-sensitive sensor element (3) and a connection line (4). The connection line (4) is a light guide. The sensor element (3) is non-releasably connected to the first end of the connection line (4) and/or to the first component (1). In the operating state, the two components 1(, 2) are DC-isolated from one another and are releasably connected to one another by means of the connection line (4) by way of a light-guiding connection, where the power supply to the magnetic field-sensitive sensor element (3) by the second component (2) and/or transmission of sensor data from the magnetic field-sensitive sensor element (3) to the evaluation device (23) is ensured by the light-guiding connection.