Magnetic Toroid Detector with Rotating Branch for Conductor Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The commissioning and maintenance of fault detectors in overhead electrical distribution networks are difficult and dangerous due to the cumbersome screw/nut system used for installing and closing the magnetic toroid around the conductor, which requires lengthy and tiring operations.
Innovation Solution
A detector mechanism with a magnetic toroid divided into two branches, where the second branch is rotationally mobile under elastic return members, allowing for easy installation and closure by the electrical conductor itself, reducing electrical dissipations and enabling the use of smaller toroids, and featuring jaws that apply a clamping force for secure anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw/nut system is used to close the magnetic toroid around the conductor, then the toroid can be securely closed, but the installation becomes long and tiring
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic toroid is designed with a mobile second branch that can rotate dynamically between open and closed positions. The elastic return member enables automatic return to the closed position, replacing the static screw/nut system with a dynamic mechanical system that is both secure and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic return member automatically returns the second branch to the closed position after the operator opens it for installation. The conductor itself serves to trigger the closure mechanism by engaging with the bearing member, making the system self-closing without requiring manual screw tightening.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the magnetic toroid is kept closed during installation, then electrical energy can be supplied to electronic components, but the operator cannot access the installation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic toroid is designed with a mobile second branch that can be opened by the operator to access the installation mechanism. After installation, the elastic return member automatically closes the toroid to restore electrical energy supply, providing both accessibility and continuous power supply.
3Reliability
If a complex screw/nut system is used for closing the toroid, then secure anchoring is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic toroid is segmented into a fixed first branch and a mobile second branch connected by a hinge. This segmentation allows the closure mechanism to be simplified to just the hinge and elastic return member, reducing complexity while maintaining secure anchoring through the clamping action of the jaws.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism uses a dynamic hinge connection instead of a static screw/nut system. The elastic return member provides the closing force, and the mobile second branch rotates to achieve closure, significantly reducing the number of components and simplifying the overall mechanism.
4Loss of energy
If larger magnetic toroids are used, then electrical dissipations are reduced, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor itself serves to trigger the closure mechanism by engaging with the bearing member. This self-actuating mechanism ensures optimal contact between the toroid and conductor, maximizing magnetic coupling efficiency and reducing electrical dissipations without requiring a larger toroid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational state of the toroid from potentially loose or improperly positioned to precisely closed and secured around the conductor. This optimal positioning maximizes the magnetic coupling coefficient, reducing electrical dissipations without increasing toroid size.
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
This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces electrical dissipations, and allows for quicker and easier operation by using the conductor to drive the closure of the magnetic toroid and locking of the jaws, making the process safer and more efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic toroid, divided into a first and a second branches, the toroid having a coil wound around one of its branches
Implementation Method 2
under the action of an elastic return member, between an open position, a pre-closure position and a closed position of the magnetic toroid
Data Source
AI summary
A detector for an electrical conductor includes a frame on which is mounted a mechanism including a magnetic toroid, divided into a first and a second branches and at least two jaws for anchoring the detector on the electrical conductor, each jaw being rotationally mobile between an open position and a locked position. The first branch of the toroid is secured to the frame and its second branch is rotationally mobile relative to the first branch, under the action of an elastic return member, between an open position, a preclosure position and a closed position of the magnetic toroid. The mechanism also includes a bearing member, secured to the second branch and defining at least one concave volume for partially receiving the electrical conductor. The bearing member is suitable for transmitting to the second branch a torque of pre-closure to a pre-closure position.