Voltage-Indicating Cable With Integrated Electric Field Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods require external tools to determine if an electrical voltage is present inside an electrical cable, posing safety risks and lacking convenience.
Innovation Solution
An electrical cable with an integrated device that includes a layer covering its outer surface and electronic components to detect and signal the presence of voltage through light or sound, activated by proximity to the cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external tools like voltmeters are used to detect voltage, then voltage detection is possible, but safety risks increase and convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage detection function with the cable itself by integrating electronic components (detector, processor, transmitter) directly into the cable structure. This eliminates the need for external tools and enables users to detect voltage by simply approaching the cable, significantly improving both safety and convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable performs self-detection of voltage presence through integrated sensors and processing units. The system automatically detects voltage, processes the signal, and transmits warnings without requiring external equipment or complex user operations, making the cable self-sufficient for safety monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If voltage detection is integrated into the cable, then convenience and safety improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is divided into functional segments: detection units integrated at specific locations along the cable, processing units that analyze signals, and transmission units that emit warnings. This segmentation allows complex functionality to be distributed and managed in modular sections rather than requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system performs multiple functions: voltage detection, signal processing, and warning transmission, all within the cable structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate external devices while managing complexity through unified design.
3Measurement precision
If multiple layers and electronic components are added to the cable, then voltage detection capability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components (detectors, processors, transmitters) are nested within the cable's layered structure, with detection units positioned at specific depths and locations. This nesting integrates complex functionality into the existing cable architecture without requiring separate assembly processes, managing manufacturing complexity while maintaining detection precision.
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
Provides immediate visual or auditory feedback on voltage presence without external tools, enhancing safety by preventing live cable work and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electronic component contained in the at least one layer and reacting to the presence of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
the signal indicating the presence of an electrical voltage inside the cable is a light signal
Implementation Method 3
the signal indicating the presence of an electrical voltage inside the cable is a sound signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical cable (10) has at least one conductor (12), and further has a device for indicating the presence of an electrical voltage inside the cable (10). The device has at least one layer (14) at least partially covering the outer surface of the cable (10) in at least one region of the cable (10) and a means for transmitting a signal indicating the presence of an electrical voltage inside the cable (10).