Magnetic Coupler Fault Detection System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting and locating intermittent electrical faults in electrical systems are inefficient, often requiring high voltage signals, are susceptible to errors due to network branching, and are difficult to implement in complex mesh architectures, leading to missed faults and system disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A system using transmitters and receivers with magnetic couplers to send and receive signals across electrical networks, analyzing signal mismatches to detect and locate faults without high voltage transmission, allowing for portable and wireless operation at any network location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high voltage signals are transmitted to detect faults, then fault detection capability is improved, but system safety and equipment damage risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a current injector as an intermediary device that converts high voltage signal transmission into low voltage current injection. The current injector transforms the detection method by using current rather than voltage, allowing fault detection without exposing the system to high voltage hazards. This mediator enables safe operation while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electrical voltage-based detection method with a current-based method. By substituting the detection mechanism from voltage transmission to current injection, the system achieves fault detection capability without the harmful effects of high voltage, thereby improving system safety while maintaining measurement precision.
2Device complexity
If visual or instrument-aided inspection is used to detect faults, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but detection effectiveness and system downtime worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service detection system where the electrical system monitors itself through automated current injection and analysis. The system automatically detects faults without requiring external visual or instrument-aided inspection, eliminating system downtime while maintaining equipment simplicity. The self-diagnostic capability provides continuous monitoring without human intervention.
3Measurement precision
If intrusive equipment placement is used for fault detection, then detection accuracy is improved, but system disruption and installation complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The current injector serves as a non-intrusive intermediary that couples to the electrical system without requiring intrusive equipment placement. It injects detection currents through external connections, allowing accurate fault detection while avoiding system disruption during installation and operation. The mediator enables detection accuracy without compromising ease of operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If traditional detection methods are used, then implementation cost is reduced, but false detections due to network changes worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that analyze the electrical characteristics of the system and adjust detection parameters accordingly. By continuously monitoring system conditions and providing feedback to the detection algorithm, the system distinguishes between normal network changes and actual faults, reducing false detections while maintaining cost-effective implementation through automated adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes detection parameters based on system conditions to maintain reliability without increasing cost. By adjusting injection current levels, frequency, and analysis thresholds according to the electrical system's state, the system reduces false detections from network changes while keeping the implementation cost-effective through adaptive rather than static detection parameters.
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
Effectively detects and locates intermittent faults without high voltage signals, reducing system disruptions and improving fault detection accuracy in complex electrical networks.
Implementation Method 1
send and receive signals across electrical networks, allowing for the detection and location of faults without high voltage signals, and enabling portable and wireless operation
Data Source
AI summary
A signal is conducted from a controller module onto a network via a first coupling. The signal is transmitted across the network and received at one or more receiver modules via one or more second couplings. At the one or more receiver modules, the received signal is analyzed and based upon the analysis, a determination is made as to whether a fault has occurred in the network and/or where the occurrence occurred.