Magnetically Coupled Actuator for Wireless Power Device Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power system devices, such as faulted circuit indicators (FCIs), face challenges in efficiently locating faults, especially in underground systems, due to exposure to harsh environments and the need for costly and vulnerable communication lines, and lack of simultaneous status monitoring of multiple devices.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically coupled actuator system that uses a dial with a select arrangement of magnets to adjust settings without electrical or mechanical connections, allowing for wireless identification and monitoring of power system devices, including FCIs, and enabling self-contained operation in harsh conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical or electrical connections are used to adjust settings of power system devices, then reliable setting adjustment can be achieved, but the device is exposed to harsh environments and requires vulnerable communication lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical and electrical connection systems with a magnetic field-based wireless communication system. A magnetically coupled actuator uses magnetic fields to transmit setting adjustments to the power system device without physical connections, eliminating exposure to harsh environments while maintaining reliable setting adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium to transfer setting information between the external controller and the power system device. This magnetic field intermediary enables wireless communication through the device housing without requiring physical penetrations or vulnerable communication lines.
2Productivity
If wireless monitoring of multiple devices is implemented, then fault location efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetically coupled actuator system serves multiple functions: it adjusts settings, identifies devices, and enables wireless monitoring all through the same magnetic field communication interface. This multi-functionality improves fault location efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic identification and monitoring of multiple power system devices through wireless magnetic field communication, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex wiring infrastructure. The devices can be automatically detected and monitored, improving productivity while keeping individual device complexity low.
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 system effectively identifies and adjusts settings of power system devices wirelessly, reducing exposure to harsh environments and enabling simultaneous monitoring of multiple devices, thus improving fault location efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator including at least one magnet which corresponds to a particular setting value of the power system device
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field sensor adapted to detect a magnetic field, whereupon a detection of a magnetic field causes the magnetic field sensor to cause a transmission of a signal representative of the particular setting
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for adjusting settings of a power system device. In one embodiment, the setting adjusted is an identification setting of the power system device. The system generally includes an actuator having a select arrangement of magnets. A magnetic field sensor is provided for sensing the select arrangement of magnets. A microprocessor is coupled to the magnetic field sensor such that upon sensing the select arrangement of magnets by the magnetic field sensor, the microprocessor establishes an identification setting based upon the select arrangement. The various embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and system for adjusting settings of power system devices in harsh conditions, such as persistent in water.