Wireless Controller for High-Voltage Test Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional high voltage test systems lack flexibility and modular construction while compromising on portability and safety, especially in wireless network settings.

Innovation Solution

A wireless controller with an LCD display, single board PC, and wireless interface, utilizing IEEE 802.11 networking for remote control and monitoring of high voltage test equipment, providing options for power supply and enabling safe, portable operation with integrated current and voltage measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional high voltage test systems are used, then basic testing function is provided, but flexibility and modular construction are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility and modular constructionVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The high voltage test system is divided into separate modular components: a wireless controller unit and a high voltage power supply unit. The controller contains a single board PC, wireless interface, and user interface, while the power supply contains the high voltage generation circuitry. This segmentation allows independent configuration and replacement of modules to achieve desired flexibility without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless controller is designed with universal functionality to control different high voltage test configurations. The single board PC runs configurable software that can adapt to various test requirements, and the wireless interface enables the same controller to manage multiple power supply units or different test setups, providing versatility without requiring complex dedicated systems for each configuration.

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

2Ease of operation

If wireless control is implemented, then portability and safety are improved, but network dependency is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability and safetyVSAvoidnetwork connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the wireless network connection status and provides feedback to both the controller and the user interface. When connection quality degrades or is lost, the system automatically detects this through the wireless interface and can trigger alerts or switch to alternative operating modes, ensuring reliable operation despite network variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed with redundancy and error handling capabilities that prepare for potential network failures before they occur. The controller includes buffer memory for command queuing, error correction protocols in the wireless communication, and safety interlocks that can maintain safe states even during communication interruptions, cushioning against the reliability issues introduced by wireless networking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If remote operation is enabled, then operator safety is improved, but control response time may be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidcontrol response time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces physical wired connections and direct operator proximity with wireless electronic communication. This substitution allows the operator to control the high voltage system from a safe distance while maintaining rapid response times through digital signal transmission, which is faster than mechanical or manual control methods would allow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless controller pre-processes control commands and maintains a ready state for immediate execution. The single board PC and wireless interface are continuously powered and monitored, so when commands are received, they can be executed immediately without delay for physical connection establishment or manual intervention, minimizing response time while keeping the operator remotely safe.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1806591B1High-voltage power supply control system and wireless controller and method therefor
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 HUBBELL INC
  • EP1806591B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP1806591B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP1806591B1 patent drawingFigure 1c

AI summary

Wireless controller (300), a system implementing a wireless controller and a method which allows wireless control of high voltage test modules utilize wireless networking technology for the control and monitoring of High Voltage test equipment providing, for example, a completely galvanically isolated controller for High Voltage test modules. Utilizing wireless networking, with controller/regulator tied as talker/listener to reduce possibility of outside access to local network. Controller may be battery powered to provide full isolation of user from high voltage equipment. Other accepted group members can be added to monitor operations remotely with minimal possibility of outside intervention.