Non-Contact Voltage Measurement Sensor Subsystem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltmeters require galvanic contact for measuring AC voltage, posing safety risks and not providing actual voltage magnitude, while non-contact detectors only indicate the presence of AC voltage without measuring its magnitude.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact voltage measurement system using a capacitive sensor subsystem with a conductive sensor, internal ground guard, and reference shield, which are galvanically isolated and electrically coupled to a common mode reference voltage source, allowing for accurate AC voltage measurement without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional voltmeters are used to measure AC voltage, then voltage magnitude can be measured accurately, but galvanic contact is required which poses safety risks and requires insulation removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulated conductor as an intermediary between the voltage source and the measurement sensor. The sensor measures voltage through the insulation without direct galvanic contact, using capacitive coupling to detect the electric field while the insulation layer acts as a protective mediator that eliminates safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based measurement system with a field-based capacitive sensing system. Instead of requiring physical probes to touch conductors, the system uses an electric field sensor that detects voltage through insulation, substituting mechanical contact with electromagnetic field interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact voltage detectors are used, then safety risks are eliminated, but only presence/absence indication is provided without actual voltage magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that combines the safety advantages of non-contact detection with the measurement capabilities of conventional voltmeters. The sensor subsystem can both detect the presence of voltage safely through insulation and measure the actual voltage magnitude, eliminating the need to choose between safety and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter approach by using capacitive coupling through insulation rather than direct conductive contact. This parameter change allows the system to measure voltage magnitude non-contactually, transforming the measurement mechanism from contact-based to field-based while maintaining quantitative measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If galvanic contact is made for voltage measurement, then accurate voltage magnitude is obtained, but the process becomes dangerous requiring insulation removal and exposed wire contact
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated conductor serves as a mediator that allows measurement without direct contact. The sensor couples capacitively through the insulation layer, making the insulation itself part of the measurement interface rather than an obstacle to be removed, thereby maintaining both accuracy and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical process of stripping insulation and making probe contact with a non-contact capacitive sensing mechanism. This eliminates the operational complexity and safety hazards of wire preparation while maintaining measurement precision through electric field coupling.
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 voltage magnitude in insulated conductors without galvanic contact, reducing safety risks and providing precise voltage readings.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive sensor selectively positionable proximate the insulated conductor without galvanically contacting the conductor, wherein the conductive sensor capacitively couples with the insulated conductor
Implementation Method 2
the internal ground guard at least partially surrounds the conductive sensor and is galvanically isolated from the conductive sensor, the internal ground guard sized and dimensioned to shield the conductive sensor from stray currents
Implementation Method 3
the conductive reference shield surrounds at least a portion of the housing and is galvanically insulated from the internal ground guard, the conductive reference shield sized and dimensioned to reduce currents between the internal ground guard and an external ground
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring alternating current (AC) voltage of an insulated conductor are provided, without requiring a galvanic connection between the conductor and a test electrode. A non-galvanic contact voltage measurement device includes a conductive sensor, an internal ground guard, and a reference shield. A reference voltage source is electrically coupleable between the guard and the reference shield to generate an AC reference voltage which causes a reference current to pass through the conductive sensor. Sensor subsystems may be arranged in layers (e.g., stacked layers, nested layers, or components) of conductors and insulators. The sensor subsystems may be packaged as formed sheets, flexible circuits, integrated circuit (IC) chips, nested components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc. The sensor subsystems may be electrically coupled to suitable processing or control circuitry of a non-contact voltage measurement device to allow for measurement of voltages in insulated conductors.