Non-Contact Stray Voltage Detection via Electromagnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting stray voltage require direct contact with the object, leading to potential errors and hazards due to the presence of stray voltage in both the object and ground, and are not capable of continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A stray voltage detector system that uses a pick-up element, such as an antenna, to sense voltage on an object without direct contact, with a sensor to detect voltage levels exceeding a threshold and provide visual or audio indicators, and optional network connections for alerts, allowing continuous monitoring without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct contact voltage measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to stray voltage interference and safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-contact voltage sensor as an intermediary device that detects stray voltage through electromagnetic coupling without direct electrical contact. The sensor acts as a mediator between the charged object and the measurement system, eliminating the need for ground contact and avoiding the harmful effects of direct contact measurement while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based voltage measurement system with a non-contact electromagnetic sensing system. Instead of using physical probes that require ground contact, the system uses electromagnetic fields to detect voltage, substituting a contact-based mechanical system with a field-based detection system that eliminates safety hazards
2Measurement precision
If voltage meters are used for detection, then stray voltage can be measured, but continuous monitoring capability is lost due to requiring constant user presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the non-contact voltage sensor continuously detects stray voltage and automatically triggers visual or audible alarms without requiring constant human intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring the environment and alerting users only when hazardous voltage levels are detected, enabling continuous monitoring while reducing the need for constant user presence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous voltage monitoring through a permanently installed non-contact sensor that operates continuously rather than through intermittent manual measurements. The system maintains uninterrupted surveillance of the environment, ensuring that stray voltage conditions are detected immediately when they occur, thereby achieving continuous monitoring capability
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 continuous monitoring of stray voltage on objects, reducing the risk of human and animal exposure to hazardous voltages by providing real-time alerts and reducing the likelihood of measurement errors associated with direct contact methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pick-up element, wherein the pick-up element senses the presence of voltage on the object relative to a reference voltage set by the stray voltage detector
Data Source
AI summary
A system for detecting stray voltage in a conductive object is disclosed herein. The system includes a pick-up element, electrical circuitry, a housing for enclosing the circuitry, a support for mounting the housing, and an indicator. The pick-up element is separated from the conductive object and capable of detecting an electric field from the conductive object. The support of the housing is such that the pick-up element remains separated from the conductive object. The electrical circuitry determines a voltage level corresponding to the electric field detected by the pick-up element and generates, based on a comparison of the determined voltage level relative to a reference voltage level, an indicator signal representative of whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object. Based on the indicator signal, the indicator indicates to a user of the system whether stray voltage is present in the conductive object.