Wireless Multimeter Probe Pairing for Safe Phase Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimeters face hazards due to cable interference, inaccurate phase degree measurements, and the inability to measure by both direct contact and proximity without contact, posing safety risks for operators.
Innovation Solution
A multimeter with a meter probe module and phasing probe module that can communicate wirelessly or via a wired cable interface, allowing for exclusive pairing and simultaneous wireless communication, enabling measurements by direct contact and proximity without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If probes communicate via cable interface, then connection stability is improved, but operator safety deteriorates due to cable interference and potential false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection system with a wireless communication system. The first and second probes communicate measurement data through wireless transmission (e.g., radio frequency) instead of physical cable connection, eliminating cable interference and ensuring operator safety while maintaining connection stability through secure wireless pairing and authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication interface as an intermediary between the probes and the multimeter display. This intermediary transmits measurement data without requiring direct physical connection between probes, allowing the system to maintain stability through protocol-based data validation while improving safety by eliminating cable-related hazards.
2Reliability
If wireless communication is used between probes, then operator safety is improved by eliminating cable interference, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the multimeter continuously monitors the wireless communication quality between probes and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly. The system validates received signals against expected patterns and can request retransmission or alert the operator if signal integrity is compromised, maintaining connection stability despite wireless medium variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing secure wireless pairing and authentication before actual measurement takes place. The system pre-validates probe identifiers, establishes dedicated communication channels, and performs signal strength calibration in advance, ensuring stable and secure connections during operation.
3Productivity
If multimeter assumes phase degrees, then measurement speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate phase degree readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/cable-based phase measurement system with wireless communication and advanced signal processing. The multimeter receives raw signal data wirelessly from both probes and performs precise phase degree calculations through digital signal analysis, achieving both high measurement speed and accurate phase readings through computational methods rather than assumed values.
4Measurement precision
If probes require physical contact with object, then measurement accuracy is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates due to inability to measure by proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the probe system universal by enabling it to perform multiple measurement modes: direct contact measurement, proximity measurement, and wireless communication. The same probe hardware can function in all three modes, allowing operators to choose the appropriate measurement method based on the situation while maintaining both accuracy and flexibility through software-controlled measurement protocols.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves a multimeter with automatic range selection capability, comprising a meter probe module and a phasing probe module. The modules establish exclusive communication by exchanging unique radio frequency identifiers via a wired interface, then communicate wirelessly while ignoring transmissions with non-matching identifiers. Each module includes measurement points and a range select module with signal conditioning networks providing different attenuation or gain. Microcontrollers automatically determine if measurements exceed current range thresholds and, when needed, set out-of-range flags, calculate appropriate new ranges, and command range switching. The phasing probe module embeds range metadata in transmitted data, enabling the meter probe module to rescale values to a common base before computing differential measurements. The meter probe module features both direct contact and non-contact proximity measurement capabilities, allowing safe measurement of electrical quantities. This coordinated range adjustment system ensures optimal measurement accuracy across changing conditions.