Rogowski Coil Sensor With Persistent Memory For Lightning Current Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for studying lightning strikes on structures, such as those in the aircraft and petrochemical industries, face data corruption issues during measurements, which can lead to inaccurate analysis of lightning strike current paths and physical damage assessment.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a Rogowski coil, control circuit, and persistent data storage on a circuit board, which collects and stores current measurements during electromagnetic events, allowing for wireless communication and post-event analysis to construct a full current waveform without the need for expensive oscilloscopes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If measurements are streamed to oscilloscopes during lightning waveform application, then real-time monitoring is achieved, but data corruption occurs during streaming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by buffering sensor measurements in persistent memory before the EME event occurs. The control circuit continuously collects and stores measurement values during normal operation, so that when an EME event is detected, the data is already captured and stored without corruption risk. This pre-positioning of data collection eliminates the real-time streaming vulnerability while maintaining complete measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to map current paths, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement system into independent, modular sensor units. Each sensor includes its own control circuit and persistent memory, making them self-contained modules. Multiple sensors can be distributed across the structure without requiring complex centralized wiring or configuration. This modular approach enables accurate current path mapping through multiple measurement points while keeping each unit simple and easy to deploy.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor unit operates autonomously with its own control circuit that independently manages measurement collection, buffering, and data storage. The sensors are self-sufficient and do not require external oscilloscopes or complex coordination during operation. This self-service capability allows multiple sensors to be deployed simultaneously without increasing system complexity, as each unit functions independently yet contributes to the overall current path mapping.
3Loss of time
If oscilloscopes are used for real-time measurement display, then immediate feedback is obtained, but expensive equipment and extensive setup time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a complete copy of the measurement data in persistent memory at each sensor unit, preserving the full waveform and measurement information without loss. Instead of relying on oscilloscopes to capture and display data, the system copies all measurement values to non-volatile memory, ensuring that the complete information is retained for later analysis. This eliminates the need for expensive oscilloscopes while maintaining full post-event analysis capability through digital data retrieval and reconstruction.
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 solution reduces data corruption, enables accurate mapping of lightning current paths, and streamlines testing by eliminating the reliance on oscilloscopes, allowing for more sensors to be used and reducing setup time, while providing detailed insights into current flow and damage assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a Rogowski coil on the circuit board... for collecting values representing current sensed by the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (110) comprises a circuit board (120), a Rogowski coil (130) on the circuit board, persistent data storage (150) on the circuit board, and a control circuit (140) on the circuit board for collecting values representing current sensed by the coil, and storing the values in the persistent memory.