Non-Contact Electrical Parameter Measurement via Electromagnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltmeters and multimeters require galvanic contact for measuring electrical parameters, posing safety risks and complicating measurements in insulated electrical circuits.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact measurement system with a housing containing a voltage sensor and a current sensor, utilizing magnetic field sensors and capacitive divider type voltage sensors, which operate without galvanic contact to measure AC electrical parameters like power, phase, frequency, and harmonics in insulated wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional voltmeters or multimeters are used to measure AC voltage and current, then measurement capability is achieved, but safety risks increase due to required galvanic contact with conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic contact system with a non-contact electromagnetic sensing system. The measurement device uses magnetic field sensors and capacitive sensors to detect electrical parameters through the insulation of wires without physical contact, eliminating the need to strip insulation or expose conductors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing mechanism that detects electrical parameters through the insulation barrier. The magnetic field sensors and capacitive sensors act as intermediaries that can penetrate or sense through the insulation material without breaking it, allowing measurement while maintaining the protective insulation intact
2Measurement precision
If galvanic contact is required for measurement, then accurate electrical parameter measurement is achieved, but circuit disruption occurs requiring wire stripping or terminal exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical contact-based measurement with electromagnetic field-based measurement. The sensors detect voltage and current by sensing the electromagnetic fields generated by the conductors, eliminating the need for circuit disruption, wire stripping, or terminal exposure while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a non-invasive copy or representation of the electrical parameters through electromagnetic sensing. Instead of physically connecting to the circuit, the device captures information about voltage and current through field interactions, producing accurate measurements without altering the circuit state or requiring physical modification
3Loss of information
If probes are touched to stripped wires or terminals for measurement, then electrical parameter data is obtained, but risk of shock or electrocution increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensing layer that allows measurement data acquisition without direct exposure to hazardous voltages. The non-contact sensors detect electrical parameters through insulation or air gaps, acting as a protective intermediary that prevents direct contact with dangerous conductors while still capturing complete measurement information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the dangerous mechanical contact method with a safe electromagnetic sensing method. By using magnetic field sensors and capacitive sensors that detect electrical parameters through fields rather than direct contact, the system eliminates shock risk while maintaining data completeness
4Ease of operation
If insulation is cut away or circuit broken for measurement, then galvanic contact is established, but measurement safety and circuit integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical circuit disruption with electromagnetic field sensing. The sensors can detect voltage and current through intact insulation and without breaking the circuit, maintaining both circuit integrity and measurement capability while simplifying the measurement setup process
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 safe and accurate measurement of AC electrical parameters in insulated wires without physical contact, reducing the risk of electrical shock and allowing for precise determination of parameters like power and phase without disrupting the circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor positioned proximate the front end of the housing that, in operation, senses a voltage in an insulated wire without galvanically contacting the insulated wire
Implementation Method 2
a current sensor positioned proximate the front end of the housing that, in operation, senses a current in the insulated wire without galvanically contacting the insulated wire
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Systems and methods provide measurement of alternating current (AC) electrical parameters in an insulated wire without requiring a galvanic connection between the insulated wire and a test probe. Measurement systems or instruments may include a housing that includes both a non-contact voltage sensor and a non-contact current sensor. The measurement system obtains measurements from the voltage sensor and the current sensor during a measurement time interval and processes the measurements to determine AC electrical parameters of the insulated wire. The AC electrical parameters may be presented to an operator via a visual indicator device (e.g., display, lights). The AC electrical parameters may additionally or alternatively be communicated to an external device via a wired and/or wireless communications interface. The measurement system may include an alignment feedback sensor that provides feedback to a user regarding the mechanical alignment of the insulated wire relative to the voltage sensor and the current sensor.