DESC:This application claims priority from provisional patent application number 202221072257 titled “Adjustable probe for insulation measurement of Submarine Battery Body” filed on 14-12-2022.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of electrical engineering and, more specifically relates to an adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies and method.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] Submarine batteries serve as a vital power source for underwater vessels, enabling stealthy operations and extended mission capabilities. These batteries are considerably larger than typical industrial batteries and are designed to endure the demanding and corrosive conditions of underwater environments. Ensuring the integrity of the electrical insulation in submarine battery systems is of paramount importance to guarantee the safety, reliability, and optimal performance of these critical power sources.
[0003] The insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies involves assessing the electrical insulation integrity between the battery terminals and the battery casing or enclosure. This measurement process is essential during battery commissioning, regular maintenance, and defect identification procedures to prevent potential electrical hazards, short circuits, and fire incidents. Timely and accurate insulation testing safeguards the longevity and operational efficiency of submarine batteries, providing confidence in their functionality during vital missions.
[0004] Currently, insulation measurements have been conducted using needle-type probes in conjunction with insulation resistance testers (megohmmeters). These needle probes offer a single-point contact, limiting their ability to cover a significant surface area of the large submarine battery bodies. As a result, technicians are required to conduct numerous individual tests at different points on the battery surface, making the process time-consuming, labour-intensive, and prone to inconsistency.
[0005] Moreover, in congested environments or areas where hands cannot reach easily, using conventional needle probes becomes even less dependable, increasing the risk of incomplete or erroneous measurements. The limitations of the current probes and tools not only hamper the efficiency of insulation testing but also potentially compromise the safety of technicians involved in the process.
[0006] Thus, in light of the above-stated discussion, there exists a need for an adjustable probe that facilitates accurate and comprehensive insulation assessments of submarine battery body.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The following is a summary description of illustrative embodiments of the invention. It is provided as a preface to assist those skilled in the art to more rapidly assimilate the detailed design discussion which ensues and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims which are appended hereto in order to particularly point out the invention.
[0008] According to illustrative embodiments, the present disclosure focuses on an adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies and a method for using the adjustable probe to assess the electrical insulation integrity of submarine battery systems which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the users with a useful or commercial choice.
[0009] The present disclosure solves all the above major limitations of insulation testing of submarine battery body. Further, the present disclosure ensures that the disclosed system may provide a more efficient and reliable method for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies.
[0010] An objective of the present disclosure is to improve the safety of insulation measurement procedures for submarine battery bodies. The adjustable probe has a wooden handle that acts as an electrical insulator, protecting operators from electrical voltage during testing.
[0011] Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a more efficient and reliable method for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies. The adjustable probe's unique design, with multiple copper strips forming an adjustable angle, allows for comprehensive coverage of the battery's outer body, reducing the need for multiple individual tests and making the process more time-efficient.
[0012] Another objective of the present disclosure is to access and measure insulation in congested areas within the submarine battery pit. This comprehensive assessment ensures that all critical parts of the battery's insulation are thoroughly evaluated, reducing the likelihood of undetected insulation issues.
[0013] Another objective of the present disclosure is to ensure stable and reliable electrical connections during insulation testing by securely fastening the copper strips to the wooden handle.
[0014] Another objective of the present disclosure is to reduce downtime during maintenance and commissioning activities of submarine batteries, optimizing their operational readiness by streamlining the insulation measurement process and facilitating efficient testing.
[0015] Yet another objective of the present disclosure is conducting insulation measurements in environments with uncertain voltages, such as 230V or 11kV. This feature ensures that the adjustable probe can be used in diverse conditions, enhancing its applicability and versatility.
[0016] In light of the above, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies is disclosed herein. The adjustable probe comprises a copper strips, a wooden handle, and a connector, making it a versatile tool for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies.
[0017] In one embodiment, the dimensions of the adjustable probe are specified to be Length - 500mm+500mm, Height - 50 mm, and Thickness - 40 mm, optimizing its usability for the relatively large surface area of submarine batteries.
[0018] In one embodiment, the copper strips in the probe are securely fastened to the wooden handle using copper nuts and bolts, ensuring stable and reliable electrical connections during insulation testing.
[0019] In one embodiment, the wooden handle serves as an electrical insulator, protecting the operator's hands from electrical voltage during insulation testing, enhancing operator safety.
[0020] In one embodiment, the connector at one end of the probe simplifies the connection to an insulation meter or testing equipment, streamlining the setup process for accurate measurements.
[0021] In one another aspect of the present disclosure, the method for insulation measurement using the adjustable probe is disclosed herein. The method involves a series of steps, including shutting down the battery system, cleaning the terminals, applying a high DC voltage, measuring current flow, evaluating insulation resistance values, and adjusting the adjustable probe angles to access congested areas.
[0022] In one embodiment, the method further accounts for conducting insulation measurement in environments with uncertain voltages, such as 230V or 11kV, ensuring operator safety during testing under unpredictable conditions.
[0023] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0024] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
[0025] These elements, together with the other aspects of the present disclosure and various features are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the present disclosure. For a better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] To describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure or in the prior art more clearly, the following briefly describes the accompanying drawings required for describing the embodiments or the prior art. Apparently, the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present disclosure, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can derive other implementations from these accompanying drawings without creative efforts. All of the embodiments or the implementations shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.
[0027] The advantages and features of the present disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of an adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting method for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies using the adjustable probe, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0030] Like reference, numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawing.
[0031] The adjustable probe and method for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. It should be noted that the accompanying figure is intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. This figure is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that the accompanying figure is not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
[0033] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[0034] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term is used, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0035] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0036] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 to describe various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 illustrates a structural view of an adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0038] The adjustable probe 100 may include a plurality of copper strips, a wooden handle and a connector at one end of the probe. The copper strips serve as the conducting material of the probe. The wooden handle is used as an electrical insulator to protect the operator's hands from electrical voltage during the insulation testing process. The connector facilitates easy connection of the probe to an insulation meter or testing equipment.
[0039] The adjustable probe 100 may have the following dimensions, Length: 500mm+500mm; Height: 50mm; Thickness: 40mm. These measurements ensure the adjustable probe 100 is practically usable for insulation measurement on a relatively large surface area of submarine battery bodies.
[0040] The plurality of copper strips forming the adjustable probe 100 may be securely fastened to the wooden handle using copper nuts and bolts. The secure attachment ensures stability and proper electrical connection between the conducting copper strips and the insulating wooden handle, contributing to the overall reliability and durability of the adjustable probe 100 during insulation testing.
[0041] The wooden handle may act as an electrical insulator, effectively preventing electrical voltage from reaching the operator's hands while conducting insulation measurements. This feature enhances the safety of the operator, reducing the risk of electrical hazards during the testing process.
[0042] The connector located at one end of the adjustable probe 100 is designed to facilitate easy and seamless connection of the adjustable probe 100 to an insulation meter or testing equipment. This feature simplifies the setup process and ensures accurate and efficient insulation measurements.
[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of a non-limiting method 200 for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies using the adjustable probe 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] The method 200 comprises several steps, including shutting down and isolating the submarine battery system at 202, cleaning the battery terminals and surrounding area at 204, connecting the adjustable probe 100 to an insulation meter at 206, applying a high DC voltage through the probe at 208, measuring the current flow through the insulation at 210, evaluating insulation resistance values at 212, adjusting the angles of the adjustable probe 100 for accessing congested areas at 214, and maintaining a safe distance from the submarine batteries during testing at 216.
[0045] The shutting down the submarine battery system and ensuring complete isolation from other electrical systems at 202 is a precautionary measure to prevent any external electrical influences during the insulation measurement process, ensuring accurate readings and avoiding potential hazards to the testing equipment and personnel.
[0046] The battery terminals and the surrounding area are thoroughly cleaned at 204 to remove any dirt, debris, or contaminants that could affect the accuracy of insulation measurements. A clean surface ensures reliable contact between the adjustable probe 100 and the battery body, leading to precise insulation resistance values.
[0047] The adjustable probe 100 is then connected to an insulation meter or testing equipment at 206 using the connector located at one end of the adjustable probe 100. The secure connection allows for seamless transmission of insulation measurement data, facilitating efficient testing procedures.
[0048] The method 200 may involve applying a high DC voltage through the adjustable probe 100 to the positive and negative poles of the submarine battery at 208. This voltage generates a current flow through the insulation, which is a crucial parameter for evaluating the integrity of the submarine battery's electrical insulation.
[0049] The insulation meter records the current flow through the insulation at 210, which is a direct indicator of the electrical insulation resistance. The insulation meter quantifies the resistance value based on the current flow and voltage applied, providing crucial data for further analysis.
[0050] The obtained insulation resistance values are evaluated to assess the integrity of the submarine battery's electrical insulation at 212. Acceptable insulation resistance values are compared to specified requirements to determine the battery's operational reliability. Deviations from the standard values may indicate potential insulation issues that require further investigation and corrective actions.
[0051] To ensure comprehensive insulation measurement, the angles of the adjustable probe 100 may be adjusted at 214 as needed to access and measure insulation in congested areas within the submarine battery pit. The adjustable probe 100 has a unique that design allows technicians to reach challenging spots, ensuring a thorough assessment of the battery's insulation.
[0052] Throughout the insulation testing process, technicians maintain a safe distance of approximately 1 meter from the submarine batteries to ensure operator safety at 216. The adjustable probe 100 allows for remote testing, minimizing the risk of electrical hazards and providing a safer testing environment.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0054] A person of ordinary skill in the art may be aware that, in combination with the examples described in the embodiments disclosed in this specification, units and algorithm steps may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination thereof.
[0055] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0056] Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
[0057] In a case that no conflict occurs, the embodiments in the present disclosure and the features in the embodiments may be mutually combined. The foregoing descriptions are merely specific implementations of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the protection scope of the present disclosure. Any variation or replacement readily figured out by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be subject to the protection scope of the claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. An adjustable probe for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies, the adjustable probe comprising:
a plurality of copper strips;
a wooden handle; and
a connector at one end of the probe.
2. The adjustable probe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the probe comprises a length of 500mm+500mm, a height of 50 mm, and a thickness of 40 mm.
3. The adjustable probe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of copper strips are securely fastened to the wooden handle using copper nuts and bolts.
4. The adjustable probe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wooden handle serves as an electrical insulator to protect the operator's hands from electrical voltage during the insulation testing process.
5. The adjustable probe (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector at one end of the probe facilitates easy connection of the probe to an insulation meter or testing equipment.
6. A method (200) for insulation measurement of submarine battery bodies using the adjustable probe (100), the method comprising:
shutting down the submarine battery system and isolating it from other
electrical systems;
cleaning the battery terminals and the surrounding area to ensure
reliable measurement;
connecting the connector at one end of the adjustable probe to an
insulation meter;
applying a high DC voltage through the adjustable probe to the
positive and negative poles of the submarine battery;
measuring the current flow through the insulation using the insulation
Meter;
evaluating the insulation resistance values obtained to assess the
integrity of the submarine battery;
adjusting the angles of the adjustable probe to access and measure
insulation in congested areas within the submarine battery pit; and
maintaining a safe distance of around 1 meter from the submarine
batteries during testing using the adjustable probe.

7. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising conducting the insulation measurement in environments with uncertain voltages, ensuring operator safety during testing in conditions such as 230V or 11kV.

8. The method (200) as claimed in claim 6, further comprising using the adjustable probe (100) to measure insulation inside the battery pit of the submarine batteries.