Integrated Rogowski Coil and Non-Contact Voltage Sensor Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement instruments face challenges in efficiently and safely measuring electrical parameters like voltage and current, especially in tight spaces, as they often require manual manipulation and galvanic connections, which can be cumbersome and dangerous.

Innovation Solution

A sensor probe system integrating a Rogowski coil and a non-contact voltage sensor, where the Rogowski coil forms a loop and the non-contact sensor is positioned on a spring-loaded clamp, allowing the conductor to be held in a central region for accurate measurements without continuous user intervention, enabling non-contact sensing and reducing the need for manual manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two different sensor probes are used to measure current and voltage, then measurement capability is improved, but operation complexity and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a Rogowski coil for current measurement and a non-contact voltage sensor for voltage measurement into a single integrated sensor probe. This merging eliminates the need to handle multiple separate probes, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to measure both current and voltage simultaneously. The unified probe design allows both sensing elements to be positioned relative to the conductor in a coordinated manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If manual manipulation of sensor probes is required, then positioning accuracy is improved, but productivity and safety decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor probe is pre-configured with the Rogowski coil and non-contact voltage sensor positioned at optimal distances and orientations relative to each other. This preliminary arrangement ensures that when the probe is placed around the conductor, both sensors are automatically in their correct positions for accurate measurement, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment during the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If galvanic connections are used for measurement, then measurement accuracy is improved, but safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsafety risks
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces galvanic (physical contact) connections with non-contact sensing methods. The voltage measurement is performed using a non-contact voltage sensor that detects the electric field around the conductor without requiring physical contact. The current measurement uses a Rogowski coil that senses the magnetic field generated by the current flow. This substitution eliminates the safety risks associated with galvanic connections while maintaining measurement capability.

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

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 configuration allows for continuous, accurate measurement of electrical parameters like current and voltage without the need for continuous user manipulation, enhancing safety and efficiency, especially in tight spaces, by optimizing the placement of the conductor within the Rogowski coil and using non-contact sensors to avoid galvanic connections.

Implementation Method 1

a Rogowski coil having first and second leads at opposing ends, the Rogowski coil having a central region configured to receive a conductor to be tested

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a non-contact sensor configured to sense a first electrical parameter of the conductor without requiring a galvanic connection with the conductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field sensing: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4145141B1Sensor probe with combined non-contact sensor and a rogowski coil
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 FLUKE CORP
  • EP4145141B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4145141B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4145141B1 patent drawingFigure 1D

AI summary

One or more implementations of the present disclosure are directed to sensor probes of measurement systems for measuring a plurality of electrical parameters, (e.g., voltage, current) of a conductor and methods for measuring same. In at least one implementation, the sensor probe integrates a Rogowski coil and a non-contact voltage sensor that are arranged relative to each other such that when positioned to measure a conductor, such as a wire, the Rogowski coil and the non-contact voltage sensor are held in proper position for measurement.