Flexible Magnetic Belt Sensor Clamp for Tool-Free Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices for monitoring low-voltage electrical installations face challenges such as difficult installation and removal, vulnerability to power supply voltage spikes, and high manufacturing costs due to the need for careful electronics design and battery-powered operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a flexible magnetic belt for passive power harvesting from current-carrying conductors, allowing easy installation and removal without mechanical tools, and featuring a compact design with an airgap in the magnetic circuit to attenuate voltage spikes, eliminating the need for batteries and simplifying electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electronic devices are directly arranged on live conductors for passive powering, then batteries are eliminated, but installation and removal become difficult and time-consuming due to limited spaces and need for protection gloves and mechanical tools
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate operational units: a first unit containing the data processing arrangement and a second unit for mechanical coupling. This segmentation allows the device to be installed without tools by simply coupling the two units together, eliminating the need for mechanical installation tools and protection gloves while maintaining passive powering capability
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible belt of magnetic material serves as an intermediary element that mechanically couples the first and second operational units together. The belt wraps around the current carrying conductor and connects both units, enabling tool-free installation while maintaining secure attachment to the conductor
2Use of energy by moving object
If electronic devices are arranged on current carrying conductors for passive powering, then batteries are avoided, but voltage spikes and peaks occur depending on current variations, requiring careful electronics design and increasing industrial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic belt serves a dual function: it provides mechanical coupling between operational units and simultaneously acts as a magnetic core that generates power through electromagnetic induction from the current in the conductor. This converts the harmful voltage spikes into usable power while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters (strength and orientation) caused by current variations in the conductor to generate power through the secondary winding. By designing the power supply arrangement to harvest energy from these magnetic field changes, the device converts current variations into electrical power for operating the electronics
3Reliability
If careful design of on-board electronics is required to ensure reliable operation, then operation reliability is maintained, but industrial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic belt serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flexible coupling element between operational units, provides structural support, and functions as a magnetic core for power generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The device generates its own power through electromagnetic induction from the current in the conductor, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex power management circuits. The secondary winding automatically harvests energy from the magnetic field, reducing electronics complexity and manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable operation
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 efficient, cost-effective, and easy installation and operation of monitoring devices in low-voltage electrical systems, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability by using passive power harvesting and a compact, tool-free installation process.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply arrangement configured to feed said data processing arrangement by harvesting electric energy from a magnetic field generated by a current flowing along said current carrying conductor
Implementation Method 2
The belt of magnetic material forms a looped magnetic circuit enchained with said current carrying conductor
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device for low-voltage electrical installations comprising: - a first operational unit having a first insulating housing; - a data processing arrangement accommodated in the internal volume of said first operational unit and configured to receive and process detection signals indicative of one or more physical quantities and provided by one or more sensors; - a flexible belt of magnetic material having an intermediate portion and opposite first and second end portions. Said intermediate portion passes through the internal volume of said operational unit and is mechanically coupled to said first insulating housing. Said first and second end portions are configured to wrap around a current carrying conductor to form a loop around said current carrying conductor; - a power supply arrangement configured to feed said data processing arrangement by harvesting electric energy from a magnetic field generated by a current flowing along said current carrying conductor. The power supply arrangement includes a magnetic core formed by said belt of magnetic material and a secondary winding conductor accommodated in the internal volume of said first operational unit. The secondary winding conductor is wound around the intermediate portion of said belt of magnetic material and electrically connected to said data processing arrangement; - a second operational unit configured to couple mechanically, in removable manner, the first and second end portions of said belt of magnetic material one to another to secure said electronic device to said current carrying conductor.