Multi-use Test Lead with Current-Sensing Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test leads require different apparatus for various measurement techniques, making it inefficient to test multiple circuits or take multiple measurements on a single circuit without changing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A flexible test lead with a current-sensing coil disposed about a flexible core, featuring a first connector for an electrical meter and a second connector for electrical connection to a conductive member, allowing for both direct measurement and electromagnetic field sensing without physical contact, with optional return conductors for four-wire sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If different measurement techniques utilise different types of test leads, then measurement accuracy can be optimised for each technique, but device complexity and inefficiency increase when testing multiple circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The test lead integrates both a current-sensing coil for electromagnetic field sensing and a return conductor for direct electrical connection within a single flexible elongate member. This multi-functional design allows the same test lead to be used for both non-contact current sensing and direct voltage measurement, eliminating the need for multiple specialised leads and reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy for each technique
2Measurement precision
If different types of test leads are used for different measurement techniques, then each measurement can be performed with specialised equipment, but productivity decreases due to the need to change between test apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The test lead combines current-sensing coil and return conductor into a single integrated apparatus that can perform both electromagnetic field sensing and direct electrical measurement. This eliminates the need to change between different test leads when switching between measurement techniques, significantly improving productivity and measurement efficiency while maintaining the specialised measurement capabilities for each technique
3Adaptability or versatility
If a current-sensing coil is added to the test lead, then electromagnetic field sensing capability is improved, but the test lead structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The current-sensing coil and return conductor are merged into a single flexible elongate member, with the coil disposed about the core. This integration approach combines multiple measurement capabilities within a unified structure, achieving adaptability for both electromagnetic field sensing and direct electrical connection while minimising structural complexity compared to using separate components
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 measurement of electrical properties by allowing the test lead to be used for both direct connection and electromagnetic field sensing, reducing the need for multiple test leads and improving measurement accuracy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
electrical meters may measure an electromagnetic field emanating from the electrical circuit without directly contacting a conductive part of the circuit
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
A test lead (1) for an electrical meter is provided. The test lead (1) comprises a flexible elongate member (2), a first connector (3), and a second connector (4). The flexible elongate member (2) comprises a current sensing coil (5) at least partially disposed about a flexible core along the length of the member (2). The first connector (3), disposed at one end of the member (2), is for coupling a respective end of the current sensing coil (5) to a test port of an electrical meter. The second connector (4), disposed at an opposing end of the member (5), is for coupling a respective end of the current sensing coil (5) to an electrically conductive member (9), to provide an electrical path, via the current-sensing coil (5), from the electrically conductive member (9) to the first connector (3).