KSC-TOPS-6
A Device for Wire Fault Detection and Rerouting
Center:Kennedy Space Center
Category: Electrical and Electronics
Patent: 8,810,255; 8,593,153
Inventor: Pedro J Medelius
Invention Overview:
A device that monitors electronics and data to detect faults within the wire (existing or new wires). It is able to determine both fault type and location. The technology is also able to autonomously transfer electrical power and data to an alternate wire. The device works by sending a test pulse down an active wire. If the pulse is not returned, then the wire is faulty at that location
Stage:
Component/subsystem validation in laboratory environment. Standalone prototyping implementation and test. Integration of technology elements. Experiments with full-scale problems or data sets.
Application(s):
Commercial applications include home security systems, commercial electrical networks, etc. Advanced markets include commercial airliners, car manufacturing, and smart buildings.
Differentiators:
Current handheld detector –developed by same inventor– reduces electrical checks that used to take two persons in 8 hours down to one person in 45 minutes
Removes the need for interrupting normal operations and monitors continuously online (while in use) and offline
Invention Disadvantages and Possible Mitigation:
Advanced markets are highly regulated and will take longer time to enter (i.e. FAA approval); consider less regulated markets
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