Rotating Jaw Clamp Meter for Tight Space Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional clamp meters with rigid jaws struggle to operate in tight or confined spaces, particularly when measuring conductors with limited lateral space, and they are not suitable for accurately measuring high magnitude AC and DC currents in solar energy systems.
Innovation Solution
A clamp meter design featuring a mechanical linkage that allows a rotating movable jaw to open and close around a conductor, even in spaces with limited lateral space, enabling accurate measurement of both AC and DC currents without direct contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional clamp meters with rigid jaws are used, then measurement capability is provided, but the device cannot operate in tight or confined spaces with limited lateral space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the jaw movable rather than fixed. The jaw can rotate between a closed position for measurement and an open position for installation, allowing the clamp meter to adapt to different space constraints. This dynamic configuration enables the device to fit around conductors with limited lateral space while maintaining full measurement functionality.
2Measurement precision
If conventional clamp meters with fixed jaw configuration are used, then simple structure is maintained, but accurate measurement of high magnitude AC and DC currents is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the jaw into separable components (fixed jaw and movable jaw) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows for precise control of the jaw's position and orientation around the conductor, enabling accurate measurement of high magnitude currents while keeping the overall structure manageable through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the movable jaw is made rotationally coupled to open and close around the conductor, then adaptability to limited space is improved, but the mechanical linkage complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the rotational coupling mechanism directly into the jaw assembly itself, rather than using a separate complex linkage system. The fixed jaw and movable jaw are combined into a unified assembly that rotates as a single unit, simplifying the mechanical linkage while maintaining the ability to fit around conductors with limited lateral space.
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
The clamp meter effectively measures electrical current in conductors with limited space, maintaining measurement accuracy and adaptability for high magnitude currents in various applications, including solar energy systems.
Implementation Method 1
The movable jaw rotates about a rotation axis between a closed position and an open position
Implementation Method 2
Measurement circuitry coupled to the jaws can detect the magnetic field caused by the flow of current and relay an accurate measurement of the current
Data Source
AI summary
A clamp meter device has a meter body and a measuring section. The measuring section includes a fixed jaw having first and second legs that extend from the meter body. A movable jaw is rotatably coupled to the first leg of the fixed jaw at a rotation axis and is configured to rotate between a closed position and an open position. When the movable jaw is in the open position, the measuring section is able to receive an electrical conductor between the first and second legs of the fixed jaw, and when the movable jaw is in the closed position, the movable jaw extends from the first leg to the second leg to form a measuring loop for measuring an electrical characteristic of the electrical conductor without galvanically contacting the electrical conductor, A method is also provided for using the clamp meter for electrical measurement.