Portable Proving Unit for Non-Contact Voltage Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC voltage measurement systems require galvanic contact, 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 portable proving unit that includes a DC power source, a DC-to-AC converter, and an insulated wire supported to allow non-contact measurement, enabling the verification of non-contact AC voltage measurement systems by providing a selectable AC voltage output and indicating its presence through visual or audible means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional voltmeters are used to measure AC voltage, then actual voltage magnitude can be measured, but galvanic contact is required which poses safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulated wire as an intermediary carrier that transports AC voltage from the generator to the measurement point without requiring galvanic contact. The non-contact voltage detector measures the voltage induced in this insulated wire, eliminating direct contact with live conductors while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical galvanic contact measurement system with a non-contact electromagnetic field-based measurement system. The non-contact voltage detector uses electromagnetic induction to measure voltage without physical contact, substituting the mechanical probe-contact method with a field-based sensing approach
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact voltage detectors are used, then safety risks are eliminated, but only presence indication is provided without actual voltage magnitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the insulated wire serves multiple purposes: it acts as both the voltage carrier and the measurement target. The same insulated wire that safely transports voltage also enables non-contact measurement, combining safety and measurement capabilities in a single configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The insulated wire serves as an intermediary that preserves voltage magnitude information while enabling non-contact measurement. It carries the AC voltage signal from the generator to the measurement point, allowing the non-contact detector to sense both presence and magnitude without galvanic contact
3Ease of operation
If a proving unit is designed with insulated wire supported outward from housing, then non-contact measurement is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the proving unit into distinct functional segments: the housing containing the DC power source and DC-to-AC converter, and the wire support portion that extends outward to present the insulated wire. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the insulated wire from the horizontal plane of the housing to a vertical or protruding dimension, allowing the wire to be accessible for non-contact measurement while keeping the power conversion components compact within the housing. This dimensional arrangement enables measurement functionality without increasing the footprint of the main unit
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 verification of non-contact AC voltage measurement systems, ensuring they function correctly even in situations without known voltage sources, by providing a verified voltage output and indicating its presence, thus ensuring safe testing and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-to-AC converter (202) that converts a DC voltage to a specified AC voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods provide a portable, verified voltage source that allows safe testing of separate non-contact voltage measurement systems. A proving unit of the present disclosure provides a known or specified alternating current (AC) voltage output across an insulated wire, which AC voltage may be fixed or may be user-selectable through a suitable user interface. The proving unit may include a visual indicator and/or an audible indicator that provides the user with an indication confirming that the proving unit is supplying an output voltage with the specifications of the proving unit, so the user will know that the proving unit is operating normally and is ready for testing a non-contact voltage measurement system. If the proving unit cannot provide the specified voltage output, the indicator(s) provides a signal to the user that the proving unit is currently non-functional.