Wireless Probe Multimeter for Safer Contactless Voltage Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multimeters face hazards due to cable interference and require direct contact for measurements, lacking wireless communication and proximity measurement capabilities.
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 both direct contact and proximity measurements, ensuring accurate and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probes communicate via cable interface only, then connection stability is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to cable interference and false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode selection where the multimeter can switch between wired and wireless probe communication based on operational conditions. The system dynamically determines whether to use cable interface or wireless communication, allowing flexibility that improves safety while maintaining connection stability through adaptive interface selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication system that acts as a mediator between probe modules and the multimeter display. This intermediary wireless interface eliminates direct cable connections in certain scenarios, reducing interference and improving operator safety while maintaining measurement accuracy through alternative signal transmission paths.
2Reliability
If direct contact measurement is required, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but operator safety deteriorates due to exposure to electrical hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct-contact measurement approach with a wireless electromagnetic field-based measurement system. Instead of requiring physical contact between probe and conductor, the system uses wireless communication to transmit measurement data, eliminating the need for direct operator exposure to electrical hazards while maintaining measurement capability through non-contact sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wireless communication layer between the measurement probe and the display, eliminating the need for direct physical contact. The wireless interface acts as a mediator that transmits measurement information without requiring the operator to be in direct contact with electrical conductors, thereby improving safety while preserving measurement accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If wireless communication is implemented, then operator safety is improved by eliminating cable interference, but connection reliability deteriorates due to potential wireless signal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication mode selection where the system can switch between wired and wireless probe communication based on operational conditions. When wireless communication is used, the system dynamically adjusts parameters to maintain stable connection, and can fall back to wired mode if wireless interference is detected, thereby maintaining reliability while enjoying the ease of wireless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the multimeter continuously monitors communication quality between probes and display. If wireless signal interference is detected or communication stability deteriorates, the system provides feedback to switch to wired mode or adjust wireless parameters, ensuring reliable operation while maintaining the convenience of wireless communication when conditions permit.
4Ease of operation
If probe modules are separated into independent wireless units, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple independent modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the multimeter system into independent probe modules that can function autonomously with wireless communication capability. Each probe module is segmented as an independent unit with its own processing and communication functions, allowing flexible configuration and operation while maintaining overall system functionality through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing probe modules with multi-functional capabilities that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main multimeter unit. The wireless communication interface enables the probe modules to perform various measurement functions autonomously, reducing the need for complex wired connections and multiple specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device architecture despite the increased modularity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves a multimeter with a meter probe module and phasing probe module capable of wireless communication, proximity measurements, and accurately reading phase degrees. The meter probe module and the phasing probe module can communicate wirelessly, via a wired cable interface, or any combination thereof. The meter probe module and phasing probe module have unique radio frequency serial numbers that allow the probe modules to only communicate with its paired partner probe module while ignoring all other probe modules. The multimeter has a measurement point capable of taking direct contact measurements. The multimeter also has a measurement point capable of taking a voltage measurement without directly contacting the object to be measured. This is accomplished by taking voltage readings from the electric field of the air surrounding said object. The improved multimeter may allow an operator to more safely gather accurate information about an object being measured.