Electrical Panel Voltage Presence Indicator for Wide-Range LED Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional voltage indicators for electrical systems are limited in operating voltage range, inflexible, and fail to provide visual indication of hazardous voltages and may expose workers to hazardous voltages, and require opening the panel for operation, increasing the chances of workers getting exposed to hazardous voltages, and conventional indicators are inefficient in monitoring and indicating the presence of hazardous voltages and hazardous voltages, and require opening the electrical panel to imply the indicating means like meters, bulbs, which are not flexible, efficient, and do not operate in a wide voltage range, and fail to provide visual indication and display, thus posing safety risks during maintenance and servicing of high voltage circuits.
Innovation Solution
A voltage presence indicator (VPI) system that operates in a wide range of voltages from 40 volts to 3000 volts, provides visual indication for AC and DC voltages, and can be applied to single or multi-phase circuits, with separate flasher circuits for each phase and neutral/ground lines to indicate voltage presence without direct proportionality to the voltage level, allowing monitoring without opening the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional indicating means like meters and bulbs are used, then voltage presence can be indicated, but the device complexity increases and operational safety decreases due to requiring panel opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical indicating means (meters, bulbs requiring panel opening) with an electronic voltage presence indicator system that provides remote visual indication through LED lights, eliminating the need for mechanical panel opening operations and thereby improving worker safety while maintaining indication functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic indicator system that bridges the gap between voltage detection and visual indication, allowing workers to assess voltage presence remotely without direct exposure to hazardous electrical components, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional indicators are used, then voltage indication is provided, but adaptability to wide voltage ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by incorporating multiple zener diodes with different breakdown voltages (e.g., 3.3V, 5.1V, 6.8V, 10V, 15V, 20V, 30V, 50V, 100V, 150V, 200V, 300V, 500V, 1000V) to create a multi-threshold detection system that can accurately indicate voltage presence across a wide range from low to high voltages, thereby achieving both adaptability and reliability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If LOTO procedure is performed, then circuit isolation is achieved, but unexpected hazardous voltages may still be present from capacitors, generators, or back-EMF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing voltage presence indication before workers begin maintenance activities, allowing them to verify the absence of hazardous voltages from capacitors, generators, or back-EMF sources before proceeding with safe work practices, thereby enhancing the reliability of isolation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces feedback through visual LED indicators that provide real-time information about voltage presence, enabling workers to confirm that isolation measures are effective and no unexpected hazardous voltages are present, thus resolving the contradiction between harmful factors and isolation reliability
4Reliability
If disconnect switch or isolator is used for LOTO, then circuit path is broken, but switch failure may lead to unknowing power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary voltage presence indicator system that provides an additional layer of verification beyond the disconnect switch or isolator, allowing workers to confirm circuit isolation status independently of the switch position, thereby enhancing isolation reliability without significantly increasing system complexity
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
Ensures worker safety by providing continuous visual indication of voltage presence across a wide range, detecting unbalanced conditions, and optimizing power consumption, while allowing remote monitoring and flexible operation in both downstream and upstream circuits.
Implementation Method 1
plurality of LED flasher circuits for providing visual indication of the presence of hazardous voltage in the electrical circuit
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a voltage presence indicator (VPI) circuit (100) for electrical safety application in electrical panel to indicate the presence of electrical potential of one or more electrical power input lines of an AC or DC circuit. The VPI circuit (100) includes plurality of voltage clipper circuits (VC1-VC5), bi-directional current limiter circuits (CL1-CL3), full bridge rectifier circuits (RC1-RC5), unbalance sensing circuits (SR1-SR2), signal conditioning circuits (S1-S2), comparator circuits (U1-U2), and flasher circuits (F1-F5). The flasher circuits (F1-F5) includes of plurality of solid state light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed in a human viewable arrangement. The electrical circuitry of the VPI (100) converts electrical energy potential between the lines in the range of about 40 Volts to about 3000 volt into electrical inputs that drives the flasher circuit consisting of LEDs to produce light output.