Segmented Magnetic Elements for Leakage Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric leakage detecting apparatuses face challenges in miniaturization and installation on already wired circuits due to the need for a ring-shaped magnetic material that limits size reduction and complicates placement around existing power source lines.

Innovation Solution

An electric leakage detecting apparatus featuring a pair of holders to hold power source lines, magnetic elements placed parallel to the lines, and a detecting mechanism to measure magneto-resistance differences, allowing for easy installation and stable detection of electric leakage, even on complex circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a ring-shaped magnetic material is used to detect electric leakage, then the detection function is achieved, but the device size increases and installation on existing wiring becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric leakage detectionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single ring-shaped magnetic material into multiple linear magnetic materials arranged in parallel. Each linear magnetic material can independently detect magnetic flux from power source lines, achieving the same detection function as the ring structure but with reduced device volume and easier installation on existing wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a ring-shaped magnetic material is used, then electric leakage detection is achieved, but installation on already wired circuits becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectric leakage detectionVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the ring structure into multiple linear magnetic materials, the device can be installed by simply placing the linear materials around individual power source lines, eliminating the need to pass wires through a ring hole or open/close a clamp structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of passing power source lines through a pre-formed ring structure, the patent inverts the approach by placing linear magnetic materials around the power source lines, making installation straightforward without disrupting existing wiring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the ring-shaped magnetic material is made larger to accommodate thicker electric wires, then wire placement is facilitated, but device miniaturization is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewire placementVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the detection function across multiple thin linear magnetic materials rather than using one thick ring, allowing each component to be slender while collectively accommodating power source lines of various thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional ring structure to a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple linear materials, enabling flexible configuration that adapts to different wire thicknesses without increasing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables effective detection of electric leakage with reduced size and energy consumption, capable of measuring both electric power and current, and can be integrated into existing wiring systems without significant size or complexity issues.

Implementation Method 1

This generates magnetic flux in the ring-shaped magnetic material 101

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The generated magnetic flux varies the impedance of the magnetic impedance element 102

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance variation: Magnetoresistance

Data Source

PatentEP2860537B1Electrical leakage detection device

Publication Date: 2019.10.02 OSAKA CITY UNIV

Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

There is a limit on the miniaturization of electric leakage detecting apparatuses including a ring-shaped magnetic material. Any thicker electric wires increase the size of the ring-shaped magnetic material. Additionally, it is difficult to place the ring-shaped magnetic material around the electric wires that have already been placed. In light of the foregoing, an electric leakage apparatus is provided. The electric leakage detecting apparatus is to be installed on a pair of power source lines connecting a power source and a load, and includes: a pair of holders configured to hold the power source lines, respectively; a fixing means configured to fix the holders at a predetermined interval; a pair of magnetic elements each placed on each of the holders while being parallel to the power source lines; a detecting means configured to detect a difference between magneto-resistance effects of the magnetic elements; and a driving means configured to feed a drive current to the magnetic elements.