Tubular Electrical Sensor Assembly for Transformer Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical sensor assemblies for transformers and similar structures fail to accurately detect the electric field generated by a live connecting bar without interference from surrounding electrical fields, are large and complex, and suffer from issues like partial discharging due to resin cavities and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly featuring a tubular body with a support member made of insulating material, an inner layer of electrically conductive material for detecting the electric field, and outer layers for shielding from external interference, all encased in a dielectric material to minimize partial discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor assembly is designed to detect electric fields without interference from surrounding fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for multiple shielding layers and isolated conductive layers
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into distinct functional sections: a first section with the electric field sensor and first electric screen, and a second section with a second electric screen. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving effective electric field detection with reduced interference while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor assembly have different properties: the first conductive layer is electrically isolated and positioned to detect the electric field, while the second conductive layer is connected to reference potential to provide shielding. This local differentiation of electrical properties and positions enables precise electric field measurement while blocking external interference.
2Reliability
If the sensor assembly includes multiple electric screens and isolated conductive layers, then immunity to surrounding electrical fields is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into two main sections along the longitudinal axis: the first section contains the electric field sensor and first electric screen, while the second section contains the second electric screen. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each section to be assembled and tested independently before final integration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to shield the entire sensor assembly as a single unit, the invention inverts the approach by creating an electrically isolated first conductive layer specifically for detection, and a separately connected second conductive layer for shielding. This inverted structure achieves better interference immunity while simplifying the electrical connection scheme.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor assembly uses a tubular body with radially spaced configuration, then the sensor size is reduced, but the detection accuracy may be compromised due to limited space for sensor components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly transitions from a planar configuration to a three-dimensional tubular structure that radially surrounds the connecting bar. This dimensional change allows the sensor to detect electric fields from all radial directions simultaneously, improving detection accuracy while maintaining a compact size that fits around the conductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular body is positioned within the insulating material, which in turn is surrounded by the dielectric material. This nested arrangement accommodates multiple functional layers and shielding structures within a compact radial envelope, achieving accurate electric field detection without increasing overall sensor assembly size.
4Volume of moving object
If the sensor assembly is made compact with integrated components, then device size is reduced, but reliability decreases due to difficulty in ensuring proper bonding and avoiding cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into modular sections (first section with sensor and first screen, second section with second screen) that can be assembled and bonded independently. This segmentation reduces the total bonding area required compared to a fully integrated design, lowering the probability of defects while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 sensor assembly effectively detects the electric field generated by the connecting bar while being immune to external electrical interference, providing accurate measurements and maintaining safety levels over time.
Implementation Method 1
a first layer of electrically conductive material disposed on the inner surface of the support member. The electric field sensor is configured to detect an electric field produced by the connecting bar
Implementation Method 2
a first electric screen comprising a second layer of electrically conductive material disposed on the outer surface of the support member, and the first electric screen is configured to shield the electric field sensor from outside electrical interference
Implementation Method 3
a dielectric material at least partially enclosing the tubular body
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly includes an electrode, a tubular section, and a mass of dielectric material extending along a longitudinal axis, the tubular section at least partially surrounding and radially spaced from the electrode. The tubular section includes a tubular support member comprising electrically insulating material, an inner electrically conductive material disposed on an inner surface of the support member, a first tubular electric screen disposed on an outer surface of the support member and electrically isolated from the inner electrically conductive material, and a second tubular electric screen extending in a direction along the longitudinal axis beyond an axial end of the tubular support member. The second tubular electric screen is electrically isolated from the inner electrically conductive material, and the mass of dielectric material at least partially encloses the electrode and the tubular support member, the inner electrically conductive material, and the first and second tubular electric screens.