Winding Fault Detection via LC Resonance Pulse Timing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining winding faults in electrical devices are complex and not suitable for mobile or on-site use, requiring specialized equipment and prior knowledge for evaluation.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an oscillating circuit formed by a capacitance and a winding, where a voltage pulse from a multimeter charges a capacitor, triggering a switching spark gap to generate a response signal, allowing for the detection of winding faults through the duration of the pulse discharge, which can be evaluated using a multimeter with a pulse unit, enabling quick and flexible fault determination without prior knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If specialized winding test devices are used to detect winding faults, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and mobility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding fault detection accuracyVSAvoidtest equipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a standard multimeter perform multiple functions by adding a pulse unit module. The multimeter not only measures electrical parameters but also generates voltage pulses, measures response signals, and detects winding faults. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized winding test devices while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the pulse generation unit, response signal measurement capability, and multimeter into a single integrated device. The pulse unit is connected to the multimeter to form a unified system that can generate test signals and analyze responses without requiring external specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If specialized winding test devices with capacity matching are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring prior knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation quality determination accuracyVSAvoidevaluation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a reference object (reference winding) that replicates the characteristics of the test object. By comparing the response signal of the test winding with the reference winding, the system automatically determines insulation quality without requiring the operator to have prior knowledge or perform complex capacity matching calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically compares the measured response signal with reference values and provides direct evaluation results. The multimeter processes the signal and determines insulation quality automatically, feeding back a clear result to the operator without requiring manual interpretation or specialized knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual evaluation of response signals is required, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewinding fault detection accuracyVSAvoidtesting speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a strong voltage pulse (1000V or higher) to rapidly excite the winding and obtain the response signal. This high-energy input accelerates the measurement process, allowing the system to quickly charge the winding inductance and capture the decay characteristics without prolonged measurement times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic voltage pulses to test the winding. The pulse unit generates repeated test signals, and the multimeter captures multiple response signals for analysis. This periodic testing approach enables rapid successive measurements while maintaining accuracy through consistent excitation conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables simple, cost-effective, and mobile detection of winding faults, specifically identifying faulty windings by comparing the duration of response signals from multiple windings, providing a high probability of identifying fault-free windings without requiring extensive equipment or prior knowledge.

Implementation Method 1

The test object located at the output of the pulse unit, i.e. the winding, forms an LC resonant circuit with the capacitance, which generates a response signal to this voltage pulse.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLC resonant circuit: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

A switching spark gap connected to the capacitance switches through as soon as the capacitor voltage exceeds the switching voltage of the switching spark gap, as a result of which a voltage pulse is emitted.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpark discharge: Electric Spark

Data Source

PatentEP2910961B1Method and measurement setup for determining coil errors in electric appliances
Publication Date: 2017.08.16 GMC I GOSSEN METRAWATT GMBH
  • EP2910961B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910961B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for determining winding faults in electrical devices 4, comprising the steps of: supplying a voltage of at least 500 V, in particular at least 1000 V, by means of a multimeter; applying this voltage to the input of a pulse unit 2 with a capacitor 9, thereby charging the capacitor 9, and wherein the capacitor 9 is connected to a switching spark gap 11; outputting at least one voltage pulse through the switching spark gap 11 to the output 14, 15 of the pulse unit 2; successively applying the output 14, 15 of the pulse unit 2 to at least two windings 3, 5, 6 of an electrical device 4; evaluating the response signals 24 generated by each output of the voltage pulse by an evaluation unit 20, wherein the duration 27 of the first negative oscillation part of the response signal is determined for evaluation purposes.wherein the voltage-providing multimeter 1 is used for time measurement and the duration 27 of the first negative oscillation part in microseconds is displayed on the display of the multimeter.