Lightning Strike Counter Circuit Without Magnetic Ring Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lightning strike counters are bulky due to the use of magnetic induction elements, which require a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the wire, making it difficult to reduce the volume of the counter.

Innovation Solution

A lightning strike counter comprising a lightning strike input circuit, a bipolar waveform generating circuit, and a counting circuit, where the bipolar waveform generating circuit uses a transformer and capacitor to generate a bipolar waveform signal from the lightning strike input, allowing the counter to operate without traditional magnetic induction elements, thereby reducing the overall volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic induction elements are used to detect lightning strike current, then the detection function is achieved, but the volume of the counter increases due to the requirement that the inner diameter of the magnetic ring must be larger than the outer diameter of the wire

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning strike detection functionVSAvoidvolume of lightning strike counter

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the magnetic induction element (magnetic ring) from the traditional lightning strike counter structure. Instead of using magnetic induction to detect lightning current, the patent directly detects voltage changes through a voltage dividing circuit and protection element, eliminating the need for the bulky magnetic ring component and its associated space requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the magnetic induction mechanism (electromagnetic field-based detection) with a direct voltage detection mechanism. By using a protection element and voltage dividing circuit to directly sense voltage changes caused by lightning strikes, the system substitutes the mechanical/electromagnetic induction approach with an electrical voltage detection approach, thereby eliminating the need for the magnetic ring's physical space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If high voltage lightning strike signals are directly input to the counter circuit, then the detection sensitivity is improved, but the circuit may be damaged by excessive voltage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelightning strike detection sensitivityVSAvoidcircuit damage from high voltage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies prior cushioning by placing a protection element (such as a gas discharge tube or varistor) in parallel with the voltage dividing circuit before the high voltage signal can damage sensitive components. This protection element acts as a preemptive safeguard that activates when voltage exceeds a safe threshold, clamping the voltage to a safe level and preventing circuit damage while still allowing accurate detection of lightning strike events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a protection element as an intermediary component between the high voltage lightning strike input and the sensitive counting circuit. This intermediary element mediates the interaction by limiting voltage excursions to safe levels, allowing the circuit to handle high voltage signals without direct exposure that would cause damage, thus maintaining both sensitivity and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces the volume of the lightning strike counter by converting high voltage inputs and generating bipolar waveforms for counting, eliminating the need for large magnetic induction elements and preventing damage from high voltage.

Implementation Method 1

the protection element is coupled between the first lightning strike input end and the second lightning strike input end in order to keep a voltage difference between the first lightning strike input end and the second lightning strike input end from being higher than a preset value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage clamping:

Implementation Method 2

The transformer comprises a primary coil and a secondary coil, the primary coil and the capacitor are connected in series between the first lightning strike input end and the second lightning strike input end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11309897B2Lightning strike counter and lightning strike counting method

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 NLIGHTNING TECH

AI summary

A lightning strike counter and a lightning strike counting method are disclosed. The lightning strike counter includes a lightning strike input circuit, a bipolar waveform generating circuit, and a counting circuit. The lightning strike input circuit receives a lightning strike signal from a first lightning strike input end and a second lightning strike input end. The bipolar waveform generating circuit outputs a bipolar waveform signal from a bipolar waveform output end to the counting circuit in response to the lightning strike input circuit receiving the lightning strike signal. The counting circuit outputs a counting output signal from a counting output end in response to receiving the bipolar waveform signal from a counting input end.