Load Tester Abnormality Detection via Multi-Sensor Fusion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load testing apparatuses are inadequate in detecting abnormalities, particularly in units like cooling fans, solely by monitoring current flow through resistors.
Innovation Solution
A load testing apparatus with a resistive unit, a cooling fan, and a control unit that includes current/voltage detection, temperature detection, and rotation state detection, enabling the control unit to perform off-control based on information from these sensors to stop power supply and facilitate appropriate abnormality detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only current flow through resistors is monitored for abnormality detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of abnormality detection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (current detection, voltage detection, temperature detection, and cooling fan rotation detection) into a single integrated detection system. The control unit receives signals from all four detection parts and comprehensively analyzes them to determine abnormality, thereby improving detection precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the selection switches, monitors current and voltage through the current/voltage detection part, monitors temperature through the temperature detection part, monitors cooling fan operation through the rotation detection part, and makes comprehensive abnormality determination based on all inputs. This multi-functionality improves detection reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple detection parts are added to improve abnormality detection, then the reliability of abnormality detection improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (current detection, voltage detection, temperature detection, and cooling fan rotation detection) into a single integrated detection system. The control unit receives signals from all four detection parts and comprehensively analyzes them to determine abnormality, thereby improving detection precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters (current, voltage, temperature, fan rotation) and autonomously determining abnormalities. The control unit processes all detection signals and makes decisions about system state without external intervention, improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of external monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If comprehensive monitoring of all components is implemented, then the reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complex monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis by automatically monitoring its own operational parameters (current, voltage, temperature, fan rotation) and autonomously determining abnormalities. The control unit processes all detection signals and makes decisions about system state without external intervention, improving reliability while avoiding the complexity of external monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously receives feedback from all four detection parts (current/voltage, temperature, rotation, and selection switch states) and uses this feedback to automatically determine system abnormality. This closed-loop feedback mechanism maintains reliability while simplifying operation, as the system self-regulates without requiring manual intervention or complex operator procedures.
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
Enables effective abnormality detection and prevention of further failures within the load testing apparatus, allowing for easy identification and improvement of malfunctioning components.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fan that cools the resistors in the resistive unit
Implementation Method 2
a resistive unit that includes one or more resistor groups having a plurality of resistors and is connected with a power source to be tested for a load test
Data Source
AI summary
A load testing apparatus capable of appropriately performing abnormality detection therein is provided. A load testing apparatus 1 includes a resistive unit 20 that includes one or more resistor groups having a plurality of resistors and is connected with a power source to be tested for a load test. A cooling fan 10 that cools the resistors in the resistive unit 20 is provided. A control unit 80 is provided. The resistive unit 20 is provided with a current/voltage detection part 20a that detects a current flowing through or a voltage applied to the resistors, the resistor groups, or the resistive unit 20 and a temperature detection part 20b that detects an exhaust temperature at a downstream of the resistive unit 20. A rotation state detection part 10a that detects a rotation state of the cooling fan is provided in the cooling fan 10. The control unit 80 performs off control that stops power supply from the power source to be tested to the resistive unit 20 based on information from the current/voltage detection part 20a, information from the temperature detection part 20b, and information from the rotation state detection part 10a.