Optical Power Monitoring via Cable Vibration Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring power consumption by electrical devices require direct measurement of electrical current, which can be cumbersome due to size constraints and safety standards, making it difficult to install and replace devices.
Innovation Solution
Monitoring power consumption by detecting changes in operational parameters such as temperature, vibration, and light emitted by electrical devices, allowing for indirect measurement without the need for in-line power measurement devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If in-line power measurement devices are used to monitor electricity consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical current measurement (mechanical/electrical system) with optical measurement using a laser pointer and photodetector. The laser pointer projects a beam through the electrical cable, and the photodetector detects changes in light intensity caused by cable movement during device operation, thereby inferring power consumption without direct electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using the electrical cable itself as a mediator. Instead of measuring current directly, the system measures the physical movement of the cable (which correlates with device operation) through optical means, using the cable as an intermediate indicator of power consumption.
2Measurement precision
If in-line power measurement devices are installed, then electricity consumption monitoring is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to electrical terminal access requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical installation procedures with simple optical alignment. Instead of connecting probes or taps to electrical terminals, the installer simply positions a laser pointer to project through the cable, eliminating the need for electrical terminal access and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the electrical signal through light intensity variations. The photodetector captures light changes that correspond to cable movement, creating an indirect optical representation of electrical consumption that is easier to obtain than direct electrical measurement.
3Measurement precision
If traditional power measurement devices are used, then direct current measurement is achieved, but device replacement and reinstallation become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent electrical connections with temporary optical alignment. The laser pointer and photodetector system requires no electrical disconnection or reconfiguration, allowing for easy removal and reinstallation at different locations along the cable path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the electrical circuit itself, separating the monitoring system from the power delivery system. This allows the measurement device to be independently positioned and relocated without affecting the electrical connections or requiring circuit modifications.
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 easier installation and replacement of electrical devices while providing accurate power usage data without the physical limitations of traditional measurement methods, allowing for efficient energy management.
Implementation Method 1
A computing device can determine that electricity usage by one of the electrical devices has changed based on a change in a monitored operational parameter (e.g., temperature, vibration, etc.) other than electrical power provided to the electrical device.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring power consumption by electrical devices. In some aspects, a computing device can detect a change in aggregate electricity usage at a monitored environment that includes multiple electrical devices. The computing device can determine that electricity usage by one of the electrical devices has changed. The computing device can determine that the change in electricity usage has occurred based on a change in a monitored operational parameter other than electrical power provided to the electrical device. The value of the monitored operational parameter can change based on an operation performed by the electrical device when using electricity. The computing device can determine how electricity is used by the electrical device by correlating the change in the aggregate electricity usage and the change in the electricity usage by the electrical device.