DESC:FIELD
The present invention relates to feeder pillars.
DEFINITION
Feeder Pillar: The term ‘feeder pillar’ refers to a metallic housing configured to enclose various electric devices including bus bars, switches, service fuses, earthing strips, power cables, etc.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Feeder pillars are installed in public areas such as residential areas, footpaths, common area of residential buildings and commercial buildings for distributing electrical supply to the buildings, and meter cabins which is fed from a transformer and distributed for consumption. The feeder pillar comprises a metallic enclosure which houses at least six outgoing cables and two incoming cables connected to a 630A fuse base with a gland-on-base plate. However, improper earthing connection and shorting of live cables can result in leakage of electric current that can flow through the body of the feeder pillar. Due its location and proximity to residential areas and commercial areas, if there is a leakage current in the body of feeder pillar, there is a possibility of electrical shocks or electrocution to a human being or an animal who may accidently touch the electrical feeder pillar.
Therefore, there is felt a need of a device that can smartly detect real time leakage of current from the electric components contained in the feeder pillar, into the metallic enclosure of the feeder pillar.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for sensing leakage of electric current in a feeder pillar.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device which alerts an operator upon sensing leakage of electric current in a feeder pillar.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device for sensing leakage of electric current in a feeder pillar to help prevent fatal accidents to humans or animals who may accidently touch the feeder pillar.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a smart device for sensing leakage of current in a feeder pillar. The device comprises a housing unit configured to be provided in the feeder pillar. The housing unit is electrically connected to outgoings and incomers of the feeder pillar. A sensing unit is provided in the housing unit. The sensing unit is configured to intermittently detect the amount of current leaked into the feeder pillar, and is further configured to generate a sensed signal. A control unit is provided in said housing unit. The control unit is configured to cooperate with the sensing unit to receive the sensed signal. The control unit is configured to convert the sensed signal into a sensed value, and is further configured to compare the sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if the sensed value is greater than the prestored threshold value. The device further includes a transceiver configured to cooperate with the control unit. The transceiver is configured to receive the compared signal, and is further configured to transmit a processed signal to a remote handheld device to warn a user.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit includes a sensor configured to detect the amount of current leaked into the feeder pillar, and further configured to generate a sensed value. The sensing unit further includes a first converter configured to be coupled to the sensor. The first converter is configured to receive the sensed value, and is further configured to generate the sensed signal.
In an embodiment, the control unit includes a repository configured to store the prestored threshold value therein, a second converter configured to receive the sensed signal, and further configured to convert the sensed signal to the sensed value, and a comparator configured to cooperate with the repository to receive the prestored threshold value therefrom, and with the second converter to receive the sensed value therefrom. The comparator is configured to compare the sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if the sensed value is greater than the prestored threshold value.
In an embodiment, the repository includes a list of contact details of first set of users and a list of contact details of second set of users.
In another embodiment, the transceiver is configured to cooperate with the repository to receive the list of contact details upon receiving the compared signal, and is further configured to transmit the processed signal to the remote handheld device corresponding to the list of contact details of first set of users.
In yet another embodiment, the transceiver includes a timer configured to count time for a predetermined time period after the processed signal is transmitted. The timer is configured to transmit the processed signal to the remote handheld device corresponding to the list of contact details of second set of users.
In still another embodiment, the remote handheld device is a cell phone.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A smart device, of the present disclosure, for sensing leakage of current in a feeder pillar will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a flowchart depicting the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 2A illustrates an isometric view of the device;
Figure 2B illustrates a block chart view of the device of Figure 2A;
Figure 3 through Figure 4B illustrates an isometric view depicting the provision of the device of Figure 2, in a feeder pillar;
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
10 feeder pillar
100 Smart device
105 housing unit
110 sensing unit
112 sensor
114 first converter
115 control unit
116 repository
117 second converter
118 comparator
120 transceiver
125 remote handheld device
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, “includes” and “having” are open-ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
A smart device (100), of the present disclosure, for sensing leakage of current in a feeder pillar (10) will now be described in detail with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 4B.
The device (100) comprises a housing unit (105) configured to be provided in the feeder pillar (10) as shown in Figure 3. The housing unit (105) is electrically connected to outgoings and incomers of the feeder pillar (10), as shown in Figure 4A through Figure 4B. The housing unit (105) includes a sensing unit (110) and a control unit (115) provided in the housing unit (105). The sensing unit (110) is provided in the housing unit. The sensing unit (110) is configured to intermittently detect the leakage of current into the feeder pillar (10) and the amount of current leaked, and is further configured to generate a sensed signal. The control unit (115) is configured to cooperate with the sensing unit (110) to receive the sensed signal. The control unit (115) is configured to convert the sensed signal into a sensed value, and is further configured to compare the sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if the sensed value is greater than the prestored threshold value. The device (100) further comprises a transceiver (120) configured to cooperate with the control unit. The transceiver (120) is configured to receive the compared signal, and is further configured to transmit a processed signal to a remote handheld device (125) to warn a user.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit (110) includes a sensor (112) configured to detect the amount of current leaked into the feeder pillar, and further configured to generate a sensed value. The sensing unit (110) further includes a first converter (114) configured to be coupled to the sensor (112). The first converter (114) is configured to receive the sensed value, and is further configured to generate the sensed signal.
In an embodiment, the control unit (115) includes a repository (116), a second converter (117), and a comparator (118). The repository (116) is configured to store the prestored threshold value therein. The second converter (117) is configured to receive the sensed signal, and is further configured to convert the sensed signal to the sensed value. The comparator (118) is configured to cooperate with the repository (116) to receive the prestored threshold value therefrom, and with the second converter (117) to receive the sensed value therefrom. The comparator (118) is configured to compare the sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if the sensed value is greater than the prestored threshold value.
In one embodiment, the repository (116) includes a list of contact details of first set of users and a list of contact details of second set of users.
In another embodiment, the transceiver is a SIM module (120) configured to cooperate with the repository (116) to receive the list of contact details upon receiving the compared signal. The SIM module (120) is further configured to transmit the processed signal to the remote handheld device (125) corresponding to the list of contact details of first set of users.
In yet another embodiment, the transceiver (120) includes a timer configured to count time for a predetermined time period after the processed signal is transmitted. The timer is configured to transmit the processed signal to the remote handheld device (125) corresponding to the list of contact details of second set of users.
In exemplary embodiment, the first set of users includes operators present in the vicinity of the feeder pillar. In yet another embodiment, the second set of users includes supervisors of the operators.
In embodiment, the device (100) is configured to alert the operator by messages or notifications or calls. Once the operator heeds to the leakage, the device (100) is reset. However, if the operator fails to respond with a predetermined time period, the device (100) is configured to call the operator or his supervisor. To enable this function, the timer unit is configured to start counting time up to the predetermined time period upon receipt of the processed signal. If the processed signal is still received by the timer unit even after the completion of the predetermined time period, the timer is configured to call the operator.
In an embodiment, the remote handheld device (125) is a cell phone. In another embodiment, it is preferred that the remote handheld device (125) is provided with an application which is configured to receive the processed signal, based on which an operator is alerted. In another embodiment, activity logs related to the notifications received and calls are stored in the application.
The device (100) thus helps in preventing any fatalities caused due to leakage of current into the feeder pillar. Further, any possibility of shutdown due to leakages is avoided as there is instant maintenance of the feeder pillar (10).
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described hereinabove has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a smart device for sensing leakage of current in a feeder pillar:
• which alerts an operator upon sensing leakage of current into a feeder pillar; and
• which helps prevent fatal accidents to humans or animals who may accidently touch the feeder pillar.
The foregoing disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Any discussion of materials, implants, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation. ,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM:

1. A smart device (100) for sensing leakage of current in a feeder pillar (10), said device (100) comprising:
• a housing unit (105) configured to be provided in the feeder pillar (10), said housing unit (105) configured to electrically connected to outgoings and incomers of the feeder pillar (10);
• a sensing unit (110) provided in said housing unit (105), said sensing unit (110) configured to intermittently detect the amount of current leaked into the feeder pillar (10), and is further configured to generate a sensed signal;
• a control unit (115) provided in said housing unit (105), said control unit (115) configured to cooperate with said sensing unit (110) to receive said sensed signal, said control unit (115) configured to convert said sensed signal into a sensed value, and further configured to compare said sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if said sensed value is greater than said prestored threshold value; and
• a transceiver (120) configured to cooperate with said control unit, said transceiver (120) configured to receive said compared signal, and further configured to transmit a processed signal to a remote handheld device (125) to warn a user.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing unit (110) includes:
o a sensor (112) configured to detect the amount of current leaked into the feeder pillar (10), and further configured to generate a sensed value; and
o a first converter (114) configured to be coupled to said sensor (112), said first converter (114) configured to receive said sensed value, and further configured to generate said sensed signal.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control unit (115) includes:
o a repository (116) configured to store said prestored threshold value therein;
o a second converter (117) configured to receive said sensed signal, and further configured to convert said sensed signal to said sensed value; and
o a comparator (118) configured to cooperate with said repository (116) to receive said prestored threshold value therefrom, and with said second converter (117) to receive said sensed value therefrom, said comparator (118) configured to compare said sensed value with a prestored threshold value and generate a compared signal if said sensed value is greater than said prestored threshold value.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said repository (116) includes a list of contact details of first set of users and a list of contact details of second set of users.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said transceiver (120) is configured to cooperate with said repository (116) to receive said list of contact details upon receiving said compared signal, and is further configured to transmit said processed signal to the remote handheld device (125) corresponding to said list of contact details of first set of users.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said transceiver (120) includes a timer configured to count time for a predetermined time period after said processed signal is transmitted, said timer being configured to transmit said processed signal to the remote handheld device (125) corresponding to said list of contact details of second set of users.
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the remote handheld device (125) is a cell phone.

Dated this 29th Day of March, 2024

_______________________________
MOHAN RAJKUMAR DEWAN, IN/PA – 25
OF R.K. DEWAN & CO.
AUTHORIZED AGENT OF APPLICANT

TO,
THE CONTROLLER OF PATENTS
THE PATENT OFFICE, AT MUMBAI