Switching Matrix for Automated Utility Power Device Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for testing utility power devices require frequent and hazardous lead changes, leading to prolonged testing times, increased risk of human error, and exposure to high voltage environments, which complicates maintenance and diagnostics in outdoor and elevated installations.

Innovation Solution

A test apparatus with dual high voltage leads and a switching matrix that automatically reconfigures ports to minimize lead handling, allowing simultaneous or sequential high voltage signal application and measurement without frequent interruptions, thereby reducing the need for manual lead changes and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional testing methods with single high voltage lead are used, then testing can be performed on utility power devices, but frequent manual lead changes are required which increase testing time and expose personnel to hazardous conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of lead managementVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the testing function into multiple independent high voltage leads (first and second high voltage leads) that can be simultaneously connected to different terminals. This segmentation eliminates the need to repeatedly connect and disconnect a single lead, as multiple leads remain connected throughout the testing process, thereby reducing testing time and manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary configuration by automatically routing test signals through a switching matrix that pre-establishes connection paths between the high voltage leads and device terminals. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual lead reconfiguration during testing, as the switching matrix handles all connections automatically throughout the test sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional testing methods are used, then testing can be performed, but personnel are exposed to high voltage environments which creates safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonnel safetyVSAvoidexposure to hazardous conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service through automatic testing sequences where the switching matrix and control unit manage all lead connections and test signal routing without manual intervention. Once the initial lead connections are made, the system autonomously completes all testing operations, minimizing personnel exposure to high voltage environments and improving safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical lead switching with an automated electronic switching matrix controlled by a processing unit. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to physically handle and reconfigure high voltage leads, thereby reducing exposure to hazardous conditions while maintaining testing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple high voltage leads are used with automatic reconfiguration, then testing time is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidapparatus complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by designing a multi-functional switching matrix that can route test signals between multiple high voltage leads and various device terminals through a single integrated unit. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate testing apparatus, improving productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than proliferation of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching matrix serves as an intermediary between the high voltage leads and the device terminals, automatically managing all connections and signal routing. This intermediary component centralizes the complexity within a single controlled unit rather than distributing it across multiple manual operations, thereby improving testing efficiency while containing the complexity increase within a manageable system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2914969B1Method and apparatus for testing utility power devices

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 DOBLE ENGINEERING CO

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AI summary

An apparatus for performing measurements on a utility power device that shares a common ground with the apparatus selectively sends a first high voltage signal via a first lead to a first terminal of the utility power device, measures a first corresponding signal returned via a second lead of the apparatus from a second terminal of the utility power device. While the corresponding first lead and the second lead of the apparatus remain electrically coupled to the corresponding first and the second terminal of the utility power device. The apparatus selectively sends a second high voltage signal via the second lead to the second terminal of the utility power device, and measures a second corresponding signal returned via the first lead of the apparatus from the first terminal of the utility power device.