Self-Navigating Robot for High Voltage Choke Sound Pressure Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring sound pressure levels in high-voltage chokes are prone to errors due to inaccurate microphone positioning, pose a safety risk, and are time-consuming, especially when dealing with high-voltage equipment.

Innovation Solution

A self-navigating robot with a measuring microphone is used to autonomously move along a programmed path, transmitting sound pressure level measurements to a control and evaluation unit, allowing for precise and safe data collection without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used with a measurement technician holding an insulating rod with a measuring microphone, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the positioning accuracy of the measuring microphone is poor and the reproducibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracy of measuring microphoneVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring robot autonomously navigates along the measurement path and positions itself at measurement points without human intervention. The robot independently performs the measurement task, eliminating the need for manual positioning by a technician while achieving high positioning accuracy through automated control systems and sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical positioning system (technician holding insulating rod) is replaced with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, motors, and control algorithms to achieve precise positioning. This substitution transforms a manually-operated mechanical system into an automated electromechanical system with superior positioning capabilities.

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

2Reliability

If manual measurement methods are used with technicians working in the vicinity of high-voltage machine parts, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but there is a significant risk potential for people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of measurement personnelVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring robot autonomously performs the measurement task in the high-voltage area without requiring human presence. The robot navigates, positions microphones, and transmits data independently, completely eliminating exposure of personnel to high-voltage risks while maintaining measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring robot acts as an intermediary between the measurement personnel and the high-voltage measurement environment. It enables remote data collection from dangerous areas by serving as a mediator that can operate in conditions unsuitable for human workers, thus protecting personnel while achieving measurement goals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If manual measurement methods are used with over 100 individual measurements required for a high-voltage choke, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but a considerable amount of time is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring robot continuously moves along the measurement path and performs measurements at multiple points without interruption. The automated system eliminates gaps between measurements and enables continuous data collection, significantly increasing productivity compared to manual methods where technicians must reposition equipment between measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system transitions from static manual positioning to dynamic automated movement. The robot dynamically navigates along the measurement path, automatically adjusts positions, and continuously collects data, enabling rapid completion of numerous measurement points that would be time-consuming performed manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If the measurement is carried out in the vicinity of machine parts that are at high voltage potential, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the positioning of the measuring microphone is not exact due to safety constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhigh voltage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring robot autonomously operates in the high-voltage environment, eliminating human exposure to electrical hazards. The robot independently navigates to precise measurement locations and performs measurements without safety constraints that would limit manual access, achieving both high positioning accuracy and complete operator safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The robot serves as an intermediary that can safely operate in high-voltage zones where human presence is restricted. It enables access to measurement points that would be inaccessible or unsafe for technicians, maintaining positioning accuracy while eliminating exposure to harmful high-voltage factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach enhances measurement accuracy and safety by reducing human error and exposure to high-voltage areas, significantly reducing the time and effort required for noise emission testing.

Implementation Method 1

detecting measured values of the sound pressure level using the at least one measuring microphone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentEP3317622B1Method for measuring the sound pressure level of a cylindrical high voltage choke
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3317622B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring the sound pressure level of a measurement object (1) operated with high voltage, in particular a high voltage choke or a high voltage transformer, wherein a measuring device (2), which is arranged in a moveable manner relative to the measurement object (1) and has at least one measuring microphone (8) arranged on a carrier (9), is moved along a measurement path (3) at a predeterminable distance (5) with respect to the measurement object (1), comprising the following method steps: moving a mobile, self-navigating measurement robot (4) on which the carrier (9) is secured along the measurement path (3); detecting measurement values of the sound pressure level by means of the at least one measurement microphone (8); transmitting measurement values of the sound pressure level on a transmission channel (6), which connects the positioning and control unit (4) to a control and evaluation unit (7).