Current-Sensing Resistor With Redundant Voltage Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing current measuring resistors suffer from suboptimal measurement accuracy due to limited redundancy in voltage measurement and temperature dependence issues.

Innovation Solution

The current measuring resistor incorporates multiple pairs of voltage measuring contacts arranged in series and notches (current shadows) to enhance measurement accuracy by creating redundant measurement channels and modifying current flow patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single pair of voltage measuring contacts is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage measuring contacts are segmented into multiple pairs (first pair and second pair) arranged in series along the current flow path. Each pair independently measures voltage at different positions, providing multiple measurement channels that improve overall measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple pairs of voltage measuring contacts are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The notches (current shadows) are strategically positioned to create equipotential regions that simplify the electrical field distribution. This allows the multiple voltage measuring contacts to operate in a more uniform electrical environment, reducing interference and improving measurement accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Measurement precision

If notches are positioned at the edge of connecting parts, then the manufacturing is easier, but the measurement precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The notches are positioned at specific locations within the connecting parts where they optimally influence the current flow pattern and electrical field distribution. This local optimization of notch placement improves measurement precision by creating better equipotential conditions, while the notch geometry itself remains simple enough to maintain ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design significantly improves measurement accuracy by enabling multiple redundant voltage measurements and reducing temperature dependence, ensuring precise current measurement.

Implementation Method 1

a resistance element (4) which consists of a resistance material (e.g. Manganin ® and is arranged between the two connection parts (2, 3) and connected to the two connection parts (2, 3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 2

the notch (20) and the voltage measuring contact (8-13) surrounded by the notch (20) are arranged centrally in the connecting part (2, 3) with respect to their position transverse to the current flow direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4143586B1Current-sensing resistor
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 ISABELLENHUTTE HEUSLER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4143586B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4143586B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4143586B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a current-sensing resistor (1) for measuring an electrical current (I), comprising two connection parts (2, 3), a resistor element (4), a pair of voltage-sensing contacts (8-19) for measuring a voltage drop across the resistor element (4), and comprising at least one incision (20) in at least one of the connection parts (2, 3), the incision (20) surrounding one of the voltage-sensing contacts (8-19) and preventing a flow of current transversely across the incision (20). In accordance with the invention, a plurality of pairs of voltage-sensing contacts (8-19) are arranged successively in the current flow direction.