Voltage Sensing Coupling Plug for Power Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage sensors for high-voltage and medium-voltage power networks face challenges in establishing reliable mechanical and electrical connections, particularly in inaccessible locations, leading to potential errors and early failures due to manual connection methods like soldering.
Innovation Solution
A voltage sensing coupling plug with a plug body and voltage sensor, featuring a conductive contact piece and insulating housing, which includes a voltage divider with discrete impedance elements for accurate voltage sensing, allowing for secure mechanical and electrical connection to separable connectors without requiring modifications to the plug body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual connection methods like soldering are used to connect voltage sensors to power conductors, then electrical connection can be established, but connection reliability decreases and error risk increases due to difficult accessibility and manual work requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling plug as an intermediary device that facilitates connection between the voltage sensor and the power conductor. The coupling plug includes a conductive contact piece that mechanically and electrically connects to the power conductor, and a mating portion that interfaces with the voltage sensor, thereby eliminating the need for direct manual soldering connections in difficult-to-access locations
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is divided into separate functional components: the coupling plug (with conductive contact piece and mating portion) and the voltage sensor. This segmentation allows the connection function to be performed by the coupling plug while the voltage sensor focuses on measurement, improving both reliability and ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If voltage sensors are installed in inaccessible locations to monitor power networks, then measurement coverage is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates due to difficult accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling plug serves as a mediator that enables voltage sensing in inaccessible locations by providing a remote connection interface. The conductive contact piece can be connected to the power conductor at the measurement location, while the mating portion provides access for the voltage sensor connection, thus maintaining measurement coverage while improving connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual soldering operations with a mechanical coupling system. The coupling plug uses mechanical insertion and engagement of the mating portion with the separable connector, eliminating the need for manual soldering in inaccessible locations and thereby improving both adaptability and reliability
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 solution provides a reliable and accurate method for sensing elevated voltages in power networks, reducing the risk of connection errors and extending the lifespan of voltage sensors by facilitating secure, easy installation and insulation of the voltage divider within the plug body.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage divider for sensing the elevated voltage of the contact piece, the voltage divider comprising a high-voltage contact electrically and mechanically connected to the contact piece, a low-voltage contact for connection to ground, and a plurality of discrete impedance elements, electrically connected in series between the high-voltage contact and the low-voltage contact, for dividing the elevated voltage of the contact piece and providing a signal voltage varying proportionally with the elevated voltage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Voltage sensing coupling plug (1) for sensing an elevated voltage of a high-voltage or medium-voltage separable connector (2) in a power network of a national grid, the voltage sensing coupling plug comprising a plug body (160) and a voltage sensor (10). The plug body comprises i) an insulating housing (190) forming a first elongated space (210) for accommodating the voltage sensor (10, 11) and a second elongated space (220), extending orthogonally to the first elongated space (210), ii) a conductive contact piece (230), at least partially arranged in the second elongated space (220), for mechanical and electrical connection to a contact element (140) on elevated voltage of the separable connector (2), and iii) a mating portion (280) protruding from the second elongated space (220) and shaped suitably to be mated with the separable connector (2). The voltage sensor comprises a voltage divider (70) for sensing the elevated voltage of the contact piece (230). At least a portion of the voltage divider is accommodated in the first elongated space (210).