Modular Current Sensor With Auto-Recognition Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power measurement devices in electrical installations face errors due to incorrect sensor connections, calibration issues, and lack of automatic recognition, leading to inaccurate measurements and increased costs from using expensive precision current sensors.
Innovation Solution
A modular measuring device with a connection cable having three pairs of conductors for measurement, power supply, and communication, which includes resistors or processing units to automatically recognize and characterize sensors, providing complementary signals for identification and error detection, and optionally includes auxiliary sensors for temperature and voltage measurement to enhance accuracy and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If expensive precision current sensors based on magnetic materials are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive precision current sensors with inexpensive analog current sensors that have inherent inaccuracies. These cheap sensors are compensated through digital calibration data stored in the sensor and processed by the measurement unit, achieving high measurement precision without using costly magnetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of simple analog sensors by applying digital calibration factors and correction algorithms. The measurement unit receives raw sensor signals, applies calibration data from the sensor's memory, and produces corrected measurement values, thereby transforming low-precision sensor outputs into high-precision measurements.
2Device complexity
If simple analog sensors with calibration data are used, then device cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates without calibration data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where calibration data from the sensor is transmitted to the measurement unit and used to correct measurement readings. The measurement unit receives both the raw sensor signal and the calibration characteristics, applies the appropriate corrections, and outputs accurate measurement values, creating a closed-loop system that compensates for sensor inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces calibration data as an intermediary element between the simple analog sensor and the measurement unit. This calibration information, stored in the sensor's memory and transmitted through the connection cable, acts as a mediator that enables the measurement unit to compensate for sensor inaccuracies and achieve high measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If manual configuration and verification of sensor connections is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the measurement device to perform self-configuration and self-verification during installation. The sensor transmits its calibration data and identification information automatically, and the measurement unit detects connection correctness and configures itself without manual intervention, eliminating time-consuming manual verification while maintaining installation flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing calibration data and identification information in the sensor's memory before installation. This allows the sensor to automatically provide all necessary configuration information to the measurement unit upon connection, eliminating the need for manual configuration during installation and reducing installation time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If digital encoding with multiple conductors is implemented, then sensor recognition capability is improved, but connection cable complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality in the connection cable by using the same communication conductors for multiple purposes: transmitting calibration data, identification information, and measurement signals. This universal approach allows the cable to handle various types of sensors with different encoding schemes without requiring different cable configurations, maintaining adaptability while controlling complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a measurement device (10) comprising a current sensor (20) and a measurement unit (40) connected to one another by a connection cable (50). Said connection cable (50) comprises three pairs of conductors, including a first measurement pair (51) arranged such as to transmit a signal representing the current measured by said sensor (20), a second supply pair (52) arranged such as to supply electricity to said sensor (20) and said measurement unit (40), and a third communication pair (53) arranged such as to transmit at least one complementary signal between said sensor (20) and said measurement unit (40), such as an identification feature of said sensor allowing said measurement unit to automatically recognise said sensor and to output an exploitable correlated value of the current measured by said sensor (20).