Passive Phase Comparator Circuit for High-Voltage Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage phase comparator circuits in voltage testing systems require a power supply for internal components, complicating the testing process and increasing the scope of the devices due to the need for self-test mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A passive phase comparator circuit that uses only passive electrical components to detect the presence or absence of voltage and determine phase differences, eliminating the need for an energy supply by employing passive display elements that do not require power to display results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If active electronic components and power supply are used in phase comparator circuits, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional self-test requirements and power management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase difference detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the power supply requirement from the phase comparator circuit. By using passive components only, the circuit eliminates the need for batteries, power management electronics, and associated self-test mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The passive phase comparator circuit serves itself by using the voltage to be measured directly to drive the display elements. The measured voltage itself provides the energy needed for operation, eliminating the need for external power sources and their associated complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If passive display elements are used without power supply, then ease of operation and device complexity are improved, but the ability to provide stable power for processors and display deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting simplicityVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit uses the measured voltage directly to power the passive display elements. The voltage being tested provides the energy needed for display operation, creating a self-sufficient system that requires no external power source while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces active electronic display systems requiring stable power supplies with passive display elements that respond directly to the measured voltage. This substitution eliminates power management requirements while providing sufficient visual feedback for phase comparison

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4414720A1Phase comparator circuit
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 H HORSTMANN
  • EP4414720A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414720A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4414720A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A phase comparator circuit is described for displaying the voltage and phase difference of the measured voltage between two conductors. A first and a second passive measuring channel check the conductors for voltage. A phase difference detector triggers a phase difference symbol if a phase difference between the measured voltages is detected.