Probe Extension System Using Releasable Adaptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited length of probe cables in measurement devices, such as oscilloscopes, poses challenges when measuring large devices or multiple devices, requiring frequent repositioning of the measurement device and leading to potential errors and increased troubleshooting efforts, while extending the cable length would necessitate re-evaluation and re-homologation of the probe.
Innovation Solution
A probe extension system comprising two releasable adaptors and a cable harness that allows extending the distance between the measurement device and the probe without altering the existing probe, using a first adaptor connected to the device and a second adaptor connected to the probe, both with electromechanical interfaces for secure and electrical coupling, allowing the use of the original probe cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the probe cable length is extended, then the measurement distance is increased, but the probe requires re-evaluation and re-homologation
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system is segmented into three independent parts: the original probe with its factory-calibrated cable, an extension cable with connectors, and coupling adaptors. This segmentation allows the extension cable to be added without modifying the original probe assembly, thereby preserving the factory calibration and avoiding re-homologation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Extension cables with standardized connectors (BNC, SMA, N-type) serve as intermediaries between the measurement device and the probe. These cables provide the additional length needed while maintaining electrical connectivity without requiring integration into the original probe structure, thus avoiding the need for re-evaluation and re-homologation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the measurement device is repositioned frequently, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic reconfiguration by allowing the extension cable to be easily connected to different probes and measurement devices. This flexibility permits rapid adaptation to different measurement scenarios without physical repositioning of the measurement device, thereby maintaining measurement efficiency while expanding coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe cable length is extended, then the measurement flexibility is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension cables are designed with universal standardized connectors (BNC, SMA, N-type) that can interface with multiple probe types and measurement devices. This universality provides measurement flexibility across different applications without requiring multiple specialized cable solutions, thereby avoiding unnecessary system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a probe extension system that allows extending the distance between a measurement device and a measurement probe. The probe extension system comprises a first releasable adaptor comprising a device-side electromechanical interface that is releasably couplable to a measurement interface of the measurement device, and a first cable-side electromechanical interface that is releasably couplable to an extension cable harness and that is in the first releasable adaptor electrically coupled to the device-side electromechanical interface, and a second releasable adaptor comprising a second cable-side electromechanical interface that is releasably couplable to the extension cable harness, and a probe-side electromechanical interface that is releasably couplable to the measurement probe and that is in the second releasable adaptor electrically coupled to the second cable-side electromechanical interface. Further, the present disclosure provides a respective measurement system and a probe extension method.