Integrated Sensor Connection for Switchgear Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for switchgear lack comprehensive and cost-effective monitoring of physical quantities such as humidity, pressure, density, and light flashes, particularly under unfavorable conditions like high humidity in protective gases, leading to inefficiencies and increased vulnerability in electrical connections and cabling.
Innovation Solution
A highly integrated sensor system with a moisture sensor, pressure sensor, and light sensor, arranged in a single connection for switchgear, allowing for simultaneous monitoring and evaluation of humidity, pressure, density, and light flashes, with optional temperature compensation and a fluid-tight design to minimize gas leakage and electrical signal failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sensor connections are used for monitoring humidity, pressure, and light flashes, then comprehensive monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor connections for humidity, pressure, and light flash detection into a single integrated sensor connection. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while reducing wiring complexity and the number of sealing points required in the switchgear system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor connection is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple types of sensors (moisture sensor, pressure sensor, light sensor) through a single connection interface. This universal design allows one connection to serve multiple monitoring purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connections for each parameter.
2Reliability
If multiple electrical connections and cabling are used for sensor signals, then sensor coverage is improved, but vulnerability to electromagnetic interference and connection failures increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor signal paths are merged into a single integrated connection, reducing the total amount of cabling and electrical interfaces. This consolidation minimizes the system's exposure to electromagnetic interference and reduces the probability of connection failures while maintaining full sensor coverage.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing points are created for sensor connections, then sensor access is improved, but risk of protective gas leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing points for different sensors are merged into a single sealed connection interface. This reduces the total number of potential leakage points while maintaining access for all sensor types (moisture, pressure, and light sensors) through the unified connection.
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 enables reliable, cost-effective monitoring of switchgear conditions, reduces the risk of gas leakage, minimizes electrical connection vulnerabilities, and allows for precise detection of switching arcs, facilitating timely maintenance and improving signal processing and EMC properties.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture sensor and arranged within a sensor connection (1) designed for connection to the switchgear assembly (100)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor and light sensor for detecting light flashes are arranged within a sensor connection (1) designed for connection to the switchgear assembly (100)
Implementation Method 3
light sensor for detecting light flashes are arranged within a sensor connection (1) designed for connection to the switchgear assembly (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor system (S) for determining physical quantities of a switchgear assembly, comprising a sensor connection (1) designed for connection to the switchgear assembly, within which a humidity sensor (2) and/or a pressure sensor (4) and a light sensor (20) for detecting flashes of light are arranged. The invention further relates to a switchgear assembly, which is in particular filled with a protective gas, comprising at least one such sensor system (S).