An accessory and a test system removably received by a measuring device

Abstract

An accessory is removably received by a contactless electrical detector for measuring electrical characteristics without electrical contact between the accessory and the contactless sensor in the contactless electrical detector. In some embodiments, the accessory is positioned in a gap between a first extension and a second extension of the contactless electrical detector. In some embodiments, the accessory includes a first groove and a second groove on opposite sides of the accessory. The first clamping arm and the second clamping arm of the contactless electrical detector are inserted into the first groove and the second groove to removably retain the accessory. The outer conductive prong of the accessory is electrically coupled or selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong of the accessory. The outer conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a jack of an electrical outlet. When in use, the accessory positions the inner conductive prong within the sensing area of ​​the contactless electrical sensor of the contactless electrical detector.

Description

Background Art Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to accessories that are removably received by a measuring device, such as a non-contact electrical detector.

[0003] Related technical description

[0004] A voltmeter is an instrument used to measure the voltage in an electrical circuit. Instruments that measure more than one electrical characteristic are called multimeters or digital multimeters (DMMs) and are used to measure many parameters commonly required for service, troubleshooting, and maintenance applications. These parameters typically include alternating current (AC) voltage and current, direct current (DC) voltage and current, and resistance or continuity. Other parameters, such as power characteristics, frequency, capacitance, and temperature, can also be measured to meet specific application requirements.

[0005] For conventional voltmeters or multimeters to measure AC voltage, it is necessary to make electrical contact between at least one measuring electrode or probe and the conductor, which typically requires removing a portion of the insulation from the insulated wire or pre-existing measuring terminals. In addition to requiring exposed wires or terminals for galvanic contact, the step of contacting the voltmeter probe to the stripped wires or terminals can be quite dangerous due to the risk of electric shock or electrocution.

[0006] Non-contact voltage (NCV) detectors can be used to detect the presence of alternating current (AC) voltage (typically high voltage) without making electrical contact with the circuit. When voltage is detected, an indicator (such as a light, buzzer, or vibrating motor) can alert the user. However, these NCV detectors typically cannot determine the voltage behind the electrical outlet.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an accessory for use with an NCV detector that enables the NCV detector to conveniently and accurately measure the voltage at or behind an electrical outlet without requiring electrical contact between the sensor within the NCV detector and the wires or circuits to be tested at or behind the electrical outlet. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Disclosed herein is an accessory (e.g., an adapter) removably received by a non-contact electrical detector for detecting (e.g., measuring) an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, or some other type of electrical characteristic) without electrical contact between the accessory and a non-contact sensor in the non-contact electrical detector. For example, the non-contact electrical detector may be a non-contact voltage (NCV) detector, a non-contact multimeter, or another type of non-contact electrical detector.

[0009] In various embodiments of the accessory disclosed herein, an external conductive prong of the accessory extends outward from a non-conductive body of the accessory. The external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a receptacle (e.g., a neutral receptacle, a live receptacle, a ground receptacle, etc.) of an electrical outlet. An internal conductive prong within the non-conductive body of the accessory can be electrically coupled to, or selectively electrically coupled to, the external conductive prong. When the accessory is removably received by a contactless electrical detector, the internal conductive prong is positioned adjacent to the contactless sensor, such that at least a portion of the internal conductive prong is within the sensing area of ​​the contactless sensor without being in electrical contact with the sensor. The internal conductive prong can be electrically connected to electrical wiring or circuitry behind the electrical outlet via the receptacle of the electrical outlet. Electrical signals are continuously transmitted from the electrical wiring or circuit through the external conductive prong to the internal conductive prong. The electrical signals are transmitted by the internal conductive prong, thereby appearing within the sensing area of ​​the contactless sensor without being in electrical contact with the sensor, allowing the contactless electrical detector to easily detect electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, or some other type of electrical characteristic) at or behind the electrical outlet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an appendix of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2 This is an example Figure 1 a schematic top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the accessory shown;

[0012] Figure 3 This is an example Figure 1 a schematic top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the accessory shown;

[0013] Figure 4 This is an example Figure 1 a schematic top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the accessory shown;

[0014] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a non-contact voltage (NCV) detector;

[0015] Figure 6A is a top perspective view illustrating a system of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 1 The accessories shown are Figure 5 The NCV detector shown is removably received;

[0016] Figure 6B This is an example Figure 6A a bottom perspective view of the system shown;

[0017] Figure 7 Examples include Figure 2 The embodiment of the accessory shown Figure 6A and Figure 6B a schematic top cross-sectional view of a portion of the system shown;

[0018] Figure 8A Examples include Figure 3 The embodiment of the accessory shown Figure 6A and Figure 6B a schematic top cross-sectional view of a portion of the system shown;

[0019] Figure 8B is included Figure 5 A top cross-sectional schematic diagram of circuit elements of the NCV detector is shown;

[0020] Figure 9 Examples include Figure 4 The embodiment of the accessory shown Figure 6A and Figure 6B a schematic top cross-sectional view of a portion of the system shown;

[0021] Figure 10 is a top perspective view illustrating a system of the present disclosure including an embodiment of an NCV detector and an accessory of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 11A This is an example Figure 10 a left side view of the illustrated embodiment of the accessory;

[0023] Figure 11B This is an example Figure 10 a right side view of the illustrated embodiment of the accessory;

[0024] Figure 12 is a top cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of an accessory of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 13 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an appendix of the present disclosure; and

[0026] Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method of utilizing the attachment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Typically, contactless electrical detectors are difficult to measure or detect the electrical properties of wires or circuits located at or behind an electrical outlet. A user may attempt to place the contactless electrical detector directly adjacent to the electrical outlet, or may attempt to insert a physical part that is essential to the contactless electrical detector into the socket of the electrical outlet to measure or detect the electrical properties at or behind the electrical outlet. However, when inserting the physical part that is integral with the contactless electrical detector, the user may break the physical part, thereby damaging the contactless electrical detector, which may cause the contactless electrical detector to have to be repaired or damaged beyond repair. Even if the user is able to measure or detect any electrical properties by inserting the physical part of the contactless electrical detector into the socket, the measurement or detection of the contactless electrical detector may also be inaccurate or not within the preferred tolerance, making the information, data or measurement output by the contactless electrical detector may be unreliable and inaccurate.

[0028] Disclosed herein are embodiments of accessories (e.g., adapters, plugs, etc.) for use with a contactless electrical detector to facilitate detection of any number of electrical characteristics behind or at an electrical outlet. For example, one embodiment of the disclosed accessory (e.g., plug) is removably received by the contactless electrical detector. The accessory includes at least one external conductive prong constructed and configured to be inserted into a receptacle of an electrical outlet. The external conductive prong extends from a non-conductive body of the accessory and is electrically or selectively coupled to an internal conductive prong within the non-conductive body. The external conductive prong conducts an electrical signal to the internal conductive prong, and when the accessory is removably received by the contactless electrical detector, the internal conductive prong is positioned within a sensing area (e.g., a contactless sensing area) of a contactless sensor of the contactless electrical detector. The contactless sensor then detects the electrical characteristics of the electrical signal conducted by the internal conductive prong, which are electrical characteristics of the electrical signal in the wiring or circuitry located at or behind the electrical outlet into which the external conductive prong is inserted. The accessory is separate from and distinct from the contactless electrical detector, such that the accessory is not a physical part of the contactless electrical detector. If the outer conductive prongs of the accessory break off, the contactless electrical detector is not damaged, and the damaged accessory can be removed from the contactless electrical detector and replaced with a new one.

[0029] In some embodiments, the accessory has a plurality of external conductive prongs extending outwardly from a non-conductive body, such that each external conductive prong is insertable into a corresponding receptacle of the electrical outlet. For example, the electrical outlet may be a three-prong (e.g., Type B) tamper-resistant electrical outlet that includes a mechanical feature that restricts access to the receptacles of the electrical outlet unless a corresponding prong is inserted into each receptacle substantially simultaneously. Simultaneous insertion of the corresponding prongs unlocks the mechanical feature and allows the prongs to enter the receptacles of the tamper-resistant electrical outlet. In this case, the accessory may be configured with three prongs corresponding to the three receptacles of the tamper-resistant electrical outlet. This allows a user to insert the accessory into the tamper-resistant electrical outlet and measure or detect electrical characteristics at or behind the receptacle that would be inaccessible to the user using only a non-contact electrical detector without the accessory.

[0030] In some embodiments, a method for a contactless electrical detector for use with an accessory disclosed herein includes removably positioning a non-conductive body of the accessory within a form factor (e.g., a receiving structure) of the contactless electrical detector. When the accessory is removably received by the contactless electrical detector, at least one internal conductive prong within the non-conductive body of the accessory is positioned within a sensing area of ​​a contactless sensor of the contactless electrical detector and is not in electrical contact with the contactless sensor. At least one external conductive prong extends from the non-conductive body of the accessory and is insertable into a receptacle of an electrical outlet. The external conductive prong is in electrical communication or selective electrical communication with the internal conductive prong within the non-conductive body of the accessory. An electrical characteristic of the internal conductive prong is detected by the contactless sensor of the contactless electrical detector. The electrical characteristic is an electrical characteristic of a wire or circuit behind or at the receptacle of the electrical outlet. In other words, the electrical characteristic is an electrical characteristic external to the contactless electrical detector that would normally be inaccessible to the contactless electrical detector without the accessory. After detecting an electrical characteristic within the accessory using the contactless sensor, the method includes outputting an indication of the electrical characteristic detected by the contactless sensor of the contactless electrical detector.

[0031] Although embodiments of the disclosed accessories are discussed as being used with a non-contact electrical detector, which is typically a non-contact voltage (NCV) detector configured to detect voltage, it should be readily understood that embodiments of the disclosed accessories may be readily used with other types of non-contact electrical detectors (e.g., a non-contact multimeter, a non-contact current detector, or some other type of non-contact electrical detector) for detecting other types of electrical characteristics (such as current).

[0032] Figure 1is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an accessory 100 for use with the non-contact electrical detector of the present disclosure. The accessory 100 is configured to be removably received by the non-contact electrical detector, which will be discussed in further detail herein.

[0033] Accessory 100 is a three-prong male electrical plug or connector that can be easily inserted into an electrical outlet. Figure 1 The embodiment of the accessory 100 shown is a Type B plug commonly used in the United States, but in some embodiments, the third external conductive prong may not be present, such that the accessory 100 is a Type A plug commonly used in the United States. In some embodiments, the accessory 100 may have external conductive prongs corresponding to Type C plugs, Type D plugs, Type E plugs, Type F plugs, Type G plugs, Type H plugs, Type I plugs, Type J plugs, Type K plugs, Type L plugs, Type M plugs, or Type N plugs commonly used in other countries outside the United States. In other words, the external conductive prongs may extend outwardly from the first end of the non-conductive body in any number of configurations or patterns for use with any number of electrical outlets having any number of configurations or patterns. In some embodiments, the accessory 100 may have a single external conductive prong. For simplicity and brevity of this disclosure, the following discussion of the accessory 100 will focus on having a Type C plug, a Type D plug, a Type E plug, a Type F plug, a Type G plug, a Type H plug, a Type I plug, a Type J plug, a Type K plug, a Type L plug, a Type M plug, or a Type N plug ... Figure 1 On the attachment of the Type B structure shown.

[0034] Accessory 100 includes a non-conductive body 101, which can be made of a non-conductive material, such as a rubber material, a rubber composite, a non-conductive composite material, a plastic material, a plastic composite material, or some other suitable type of non-conductive or insulating material, or a combination of non-conductive or insulating materials. Non-conductive body 101 includes a first portion 102 at a first end 103, at which a first outer conductive prong 104, a second outer conductive prong 106, and a third outer conductive prong 108 extend outwardly and away from non-conductive body 101. First portion 102 can be referred to as the prong portion of accessory 100. First portion 102 can have any shape, including a rectangular parallelepiped with straight or rounded edges, or other similar three-dimensional shapes. In some embodiments, first portion 102 has a cylindrical, quasi-cylindrical, or other similar three-dimensional shape. The non-conductive body is sized and shaped to be received by a corresponding form factor (e.g., a receiving structure) of a contactless electrical detector.

[0035] The first external conductive prong 104, the second external conductive prong 106, and the third external conductive prong 108 can extend into the non-conductive body 101 such that respective ends of the external conductive prongs are retained within the non-conductive body 101. In some embodiments, the first external conductive prong 104 is a live external conductive prong to be inserted into a live receptacle of an electrical outlet, the second external conductive prong 106 is a neutral external conductive prong to be inserted into a neutral receptacle of an electrical outlet, and the third external conductive prong 108 is a ground external conductive prong to be inserted into a ground receptacle of an electrical outlet.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106 are flat, and the third outer conductive prong 108 is round. In some embodiments, the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106 are round. In some embodiments, the third outer conductive prong 108 is flat.

[0037] The non-conductive body 101 includes a second portion 107 at a second end 109 of the non-conductive body 101, which is opposite the first end 103 of the non-conductive body 101. The second portion 107 can be a male structure, such as a protrusion, extension, boss, or some other type of male structure of the non-conductive body 101, to be received by a corresponding female receiving structure of the non-contact electrical detector. In some embodiments, the second portion 107 can be a female structure of the non-conductive body 101, which is configured to receive a corresponding male structure of the non-contact electrical detector. In addition, the first surface 125 of the first portion 102 extends laterally from the second portion 107 of the non-conductive body 101, forming a shelf in a first direction, and the second surface 127 of the first portion 102 extends laterally from the second portion 107 of the non-conductive body 101, forming a shelf in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0038] The third portion 110 of the non-conductive body 101 may include a wire receiving portion or connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the third portion 110 extends from the first end 103 to the second end 109 of the accessory 100. The third portion 110 may have a cylindrical shape, a quasi-cylindrical shape, or some other three-dimensional shape. However, in some embodiments, the third portion 110 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with straight sides, a quasi-rectangular parallelepiped shape with straight sides, or some other three-dimensional shape. The third portion 110 includes a female electrical receptacle 112 at the second end 109 of the accessory 100. For example, the female electrical receptacle 112 may be a female coaxial electrical receptacle structure to receive a male coaxial electrical plug for an electrical wire. The female electrical receptacle 112 may be electrically coupled to the third external conductive prong 108 of the accessory 100. When the third external conductive prong 108 is inserted into the ground jack of an outlet, the third external conductive prong 108 grounds the accessory 100, which is useful when the accessory 100 is used with a non-contact electrical detector to measure an electrical characteristic (such as voltage, current, or some other type of electrical characteristic), as described below.

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an accessory 100 is shown. An internal conductive prong 114 within a non-conductive body 101 has a first portion 116 and a second portion 118 that is wider than the first portion 116. Relative to the first portion 116, the second portion 118 is closer to the second end 109 than the first end 103. The second portion 118 is adjacent to the second end 109 of the non-conductive body 101. The first portion 116 is coupled to or otherwise integral with the second portion 118.

[0040] A first electrical pathway 120 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong 104 and extends from the first outer conductive prong 104 toward the inner conductive prong 114. The first electrical pathway 120 may be a wire electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong 104, a plurality of wires electrically coupled together, at least one of which is electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong 104, or some other type of electrical connection structure electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong 104.

[0041] A second electrical pathway 122 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong 106. The second electrical pathway 122 is electrically isolated from the first outer conductive prong 104 and the first electrical pathway 120, so that no electrical crosstalk occurs between the first electrical pathway 120 and the second electrical pathway 122. The second electrical pathway 122 extends from the second outer conductive prong 106 toward the inner conductive prong 114. The second electrical pathway 122 can be a wire electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong 106, a plurality of wires electrically coupled together, at least one of which is electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong 106, or some other type of electrical connection structure electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong 106.

[0042] A third electrical pathway 124 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong 114. The third electrical pathway 124 extends through the non-conductive body 101 from the inner conductive prong 114 toward the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106. The third electrical pathway 124 can be a wire electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong 114, a plurality of wires electrically coupled together, at least one of which is electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong 114, or some other type of electrical connection structure electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong 114.

[0043] A switch 126 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the third electrical pathway 124. The switch 126 is capable of selectively electrically coupling the first electrical pathway 120 and the second electrical pathway 122. The switch 126 can be a mechanical switch or an electrical switch to selectively electrically couple the first electrical pathway 120 and the second electrical pathway 122 to the third electrical pathway 124. For example, when the switch 126 is a mechanical switch, the switch 126 is capable of selectively moving to a first position in which the switch 126 electrically couples the first outer conductive prong 104 to the inner conductive prong 114 via the first electrical pathway 120, the switch 126, and the third electrical pathway 124. The switch 126 is also capable of selectively moving to a second position in which the switch 126 electrically couples the second outer conductive prong 106 to the inner conductive prong 114 via the second electrical pathway 122, the switch 126, and the third electrical pathway 124. Alternatively, when the switch 126 is an electrical switch, the switch 126 may be controlled to selectively electrically couple the first electrical path 120 to the third electrical path 124 , and selectively electrically couple the second electrical path 122 to the third electrical path 124 .

[0044] The switch 126 may have a third position in which the switch 126 is not electrically coupled to the first electrical path 120 or the second electrical path 122. In contrast, the switch 126 is in the neutral position (see Figure 2 ), wherein the switch 126 is not electrically coupled to the first electrical path 120 or the second electrical path 122.

[0045] In some embodiments, the switch 126 is switched between being electrically coupled to the first electrical pathway 120 and the second electrical pathway 122 by an external actuator (not shown) that may be located at an outer surface of the accessory 100 or a non-contact electrical detector (e.g., Figure 5 The non-contact electrical detector 200 shown, Figure 10 The external actuator may be accessible at an outer surface of the switch 126 (e.g., the illustrated contactless electrical detector 302 or some other type of contactless electrical detector). For example, the external actuator may be magnetically coupled to the switch 126, or the external actuator may be mechanically coupled to the switch 126 such that the switch can be switched between being electrically coupled to the first electrical pathway 120 and the second electrical pathway 122. The external actuator may be actuated electronically, mechanically, by physical manipulation by a user, or by some other type of actuation.

[0046] When the switch 126 electrically couples the first electrical pathway 120 to the third electrical pathway 124, the electrical signal at the first outer conductive prong 104 is transmitted to the inner conductive prong 114 through the first electrical pathway 120, the switch 126, and the third electrical pathway 124, such that the electrical signal is present at the second portion 118 of the inner conductive prong 114. Alternatively, when the switch 126 electrically couples the second electrical pathway 122 to the third electrical pathway 124, the electrical signal at the second outer conductive prong 106 is transmitted to the inner conductive prong 114 through the second electrical pathway 122, the switch 126, and the third electrical pathway 124, such that the electrical signal is present at the second portion 118 of the inner conductive prong 114.

[0047] Although first electrical pathway 120, second electrical pathway 122, and third electrical pathway 124 can be multiple wires, in some embodiments, first electrical pathway 120, second electrical pathway 122, and third electrical pathway 124 are part of switch 126. For example, first electrical pathway 120 can be a first end of switch 126, second electrical pathway 122 can be a second end of switch 126, and third electrical pathway 124 can be a third end of switch 126.

[0048] When the switch 126 electrically couples the first electrical path 120 to the third electrical path 124 and the first outer conductive prong 104, the second outer conductive prong 106, and the third outer conductive prong 108 are plugged into an electrical outlet, a first electrical signal having a first voltage (e.g., a line voltage, a line voltage, etc.) is continuously transmitted from the line outlet to the inner conductive prong 118 along the first outer conductive prong 104, the first electrical path 120, the switch 126, and the third electrical path 124. Figure 9As shown, the contactless sensor 246 of the contactless detector 200 , which may be a contactless voltage (NCV) detector, detects a first voltage when the accessory 100 is inserted into the gap 219 of the contactless detector 200 such that the inner conductive prong 114 is within the sensing area 234 of the contactless sensor 232 .

[0049] When the switch 126 electrically couples the second electrical path 122 to the third electrical path 124, and the first outer conductive prong 104, the second outer conductive prong 106, and the third outer conductive prong 108 are plugged into an electrical outlet, a second electrical signal having a second voltage (e.g., neutral jack voltage, neutral voltage, etc.) is continuously transmitted from the neutral jack to the inner conductive prong 118 along the second outer conductive prong 106, the second electrical path 122, the switch 126, and the third electrical path 124. Figure 9 As shown, when the accessory 100 is inserted into the gap 219 of the contactless detector 200 such that the inner conductive prongs 114 are within the sensing area 234 of the contactless sensor 232 , the contactless sensor 246 of the contactless detector 200 detects a second voltage.

[0050] An electrician can use the first and second voltages measured by non-contact detector 246 to determine whether there is a defect (e.g., a miswiring) behind the power outlet (e.g., within the wall where the power outlet is located) without having to remove the power outlet from the wall. For example, the electrician can measure the first voltage and then measure the second voltage. In one scenario, when the first voltage is less than 120 volts, the electrician can determine that there is a miswiring defect along the wire extending from the service panel (e.g., the circuit breaker panel) to the hot jack of the outlet. In at least another scenario, when the second voltage is greater than 0 volts, the electrician can determine that there is a miswiring defect along the wire extending from the service panel (e.g., the circuit breaker panel) to the neutral jack. In either of these scenarios, a miswiring defect could cause problems or malfunctions when the power outlet is used. In other words, the electrician can quickly and easily determine if there is a defect in the wiring behind the power outlet before having to remove the outlet from the wall where it is located.

[0051] In another case, the first voltage detected by accessory 100 may be 0 volts, and the second voltage detected by accessory 100 may be 120 volts. This likely indicates that the wiring behind the power outlet has been miswired, causing the neutral jack to function as the live jack, and the live jack to function as the neutral jack. In this case, an electrician can easily repair this miswiring by removing the power outlet from the wall, switching the wires coupled to the neutral and live jacks, and then reinstalling the power outlet to the wall. By switching the wires, the neutral jack will function as the neutral jack, and the live jack will function as the live jack.

[0052] In view of the above discussion, an electrician can easily utilize the accessory 100 of the present disclosure with the NCV detector 200 to collect information about the wiring behind an electrical outlet of interest. The electrician can easily and quickly collect information about the electrical characteristics of the wiring behind the electrical outlet without the possibility of damaging the NCV detector 200 while utilizing the accessory 100.

[0053] In some cases, the switch 126 may be replaced with a fully automatic selection mechanism (e.g., an automatic switch) configured such that if the second external conductive prong 106 is energized, the second electrical pathway 122 may be automatically coupled to the third electrical pathway 124, or if the first external conductive prong 104 is energized, the first electrical pathway 120 may be automatically coupled to the third electrical pathway 124. If both the first external conductive prong 104 and the second external conductive prong 106 are energized, one of the first external conductive prong 104 or the second external conductive prong 106 may be automatically coupled to the third electrical pathway 124, respectively, and after an event occurs, such as a predetermined time period having elapsed or user input being received, the other of the first external conductive prong 104 or the second external conductive prong 106 may be automatically coupled to the third electrical pathway 124. For example, a fully automatic selection structure or configuration may include a plurality of sensors, a processor coupled to the plurality of sensors, and a plurality of electrical connections (e.g., electrical wires, electrical traces, etc.) that automatically couple the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106, respectively, to the inner conductive prong 114. In some cases, the processor may be coupled to a visual indicator and programmed to indicate which of the first outer conductive prong 104 and / or the second outer conductive prong 106 is energized via the visual indicator.

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a top cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an accessory 100 is shown. A first inner conductive prong 128 and a second inner conductive prong 130 are positioned within the non-conductive body 101. A first electrical shield 132 is positioned within the non-conductive body 101, adjacent to the second end 109 of the non-conductive body 101, between the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130. The first electrical shield 132 electrically isolates the first inner conductive prong 128 from the second inner conductive prong 130, so that electrical crosstalk does not occur between the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0055] First inner conductive prong 128 includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 136 coupled to first portion 134. Second portion 136 is wider than first portion 134 and is closer to second end 109 than first end 103 relative to first portion 134. Second portion 136 is adjacent to second end 109 of non-conductive body 101.

[0056] The second inner conductive prong 130 includes a third portion 138 and a fourth portion 140 coupled to the third portion 138. The fourth portion 140 is wider than the third portion 138 and is closer to the second end 109 than the first end 103 relative to the third portion 138.

[0057] A fourth electrical pathway 142 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the first inner conductive prong 128. The fourth electrical pathway 142 extends from the first inner conductive prong 128 toward the first outer conductive prong 104. The fourth electrical pathway 142 can be a wire electrically coupled to the first inner conductive prong 128, a plurality of wires electrically coupled together, at least one of which is electrically coupled to the first inner conductive prong 128, or some other type of electrical connection structure electrically coupled to the first inner conductive prong 128.

[0058] A fifth electrical pathway 144 within the non-conductive body 101 is electrically coupled to the second inner conductive prong 130. The fifth electrical pathway 144 extends from the second inner conductive prong 130 toward the second outer conductive prong 106. The fifth electrical pathway 144 can be a wire electrically coupled to the second inner conductive prong 130, a plurality of wires electrically coupled together, at least one of which is electrically coupled to the second inner conductive prong 130, or some other type of electrical connection structure electrically coupled to the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0059] A first switch 146 within non-conductive body 101 selectively electrically couples first electrical path 120 to fourth electrical path 142, and a second switch 148 within non-conductive body 101 selectively couples second electrical path 122 to fifth electrical path 144. First switch 146 and second switch 148 may be mechanical switches, electrical switches, or a combination thereof.

[0060] The first switch 146 and the second switch 148 can be replaced by a synchronization switch that electrically couples the first outer conductive prong 104 to the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second outer conductive prong 106 to the second inner conductive prong 130. In a first position, the synchronization switch can electrically isolate the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106 from the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130, respectively. In a second position, the synchronization switch can electrically connect the first outer conductive prong 104 and the second outer conductive prong 106 to the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130, respectively, through corresponding electrical pathways 120, 122, 142, 144, and through the synchronization switch.

[0061] In some embodiments, first switch 146 and second switch 148 are switched between being electrically coupled to first electrical pathway 120 and second electrical pathway 122, respectively, and not being electrically coupled to first electrical pathway 120 and second electrical pathway 122, respectively, by at least one external actuator (not shown) that may be located on an outer surface of accessory 100 or a non-contact electrical detector (e.g., Figure 5 The non-contact electrical detector 200 shown, Figure 10 126 . For example, an external switch of the contactless electrical detector may be magnetically coupled to switch 126 , or an external actuator may be mechanically coupled to switch 126 , such that the switch can be switched between being electrically coupled to first electrical pathway 120 and second electrical pathway 122 .

[0062] Figure 4 An embodiment of the attachment 100 is provided. Figure 3 The accessory 100 shown is different. Figure 4 The accessory 100 shown includes a sixth electrical pathway 150 and a seventh electrical pathway 152. The sixth electrical pathway 150 electrically couples the first outer conductive prong 104 to the first inner conductive prong 128, and the seventh electrical pathway 152 electrically couples the second outer conductive prong 106 to the second inner conductive prong 130. The sixth electrical pathway 150 can be one or more wires that directly electrically couple the first outer conductive prong 104 to the first inner conductive prong 128. The second electrical pathway 122 can be one or more wires that directly electrically couple the second outer conductive prong 106 to the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first outer conductive prong 104 and the first inner conductive prong 128 are directly electrically coupled by being physically coupled together, such that the first outer conductive prong 104 and the first inner conductive prong 128 are integral with one another. For example, the first outer conductive prong 104 and the first inner conductive prong 128 can be a continuous conductive structure. In some embodiments, the second outer conductive prong 106 and the second inner conductive prong 130 are directly electrically coupled by being physically coupled together, such that the second outer conductive prong 106 and the second inner conductive prong 130 are integral with one another. For example, the second outer conductive prong 106 and the second inner conductive prong 130 can be a continuous conductive structure.

[0064] from Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be easily seen that the first portion 102 of the non-conductive body 101 has a rectangular shape or a quasi-rectangular shape when viewed in a top plan view, and the second portion 107 of the non-conductive body 101 has a U-shape or a quasi-U-shape when viewed in a top plan view.

[0065] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a non-contact electrical detector 200. In this embodiment, as will be discussed below, the non-contact electrical detector 200 is a non-contact voltage (NCV) detector 200. In some embodiments, the non-contact electrical detector 200 is a multimeter or some other type of electrical detector.

[0066] The NCV detector 200 includes a housing 202. A plurality of buttons 204 on the housing 202 provide a user interface for controlling the NCV detector 200. For example, the user can interact with the plurality of buttons 204 to select a measurement value displayed on a display 206 or measured by the NCV detector 200. The display 206 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital display, or some other type of display. Wires 208 are coupled to the housing 202 and are in electrical communication with corresponding circuits within the housing 202. The wires 208 are coupled to a clamp 210 on the exterior of the housing 202. In use, the clamp 210 can be attached to a grounded object to ground the circuits within the NCV detector 200 that are electrically coupled to the wires 208.

[0067] The housing 202 of the NCV detector 200 includes a female form factor, such as a receiving structure 212 having a first extension 214 and a second extension 216. The first extension 214 includes a first end face 218, and the second extension 216 includes a second end face 220. The first end face 218 and the second end face 220 can be substantially flat ends of the first extension 214 and the second extension 216, respectively. In some embodiments, the receiving structure 212 is a fork-shaped structure, wherein the first extension 214 is a first prong or tine of the fork-shaped structure and the second extension 216 is a second prong or tine of the fork-shaped structure, with a gap 219 therebetween.

[0068] The gap 219 extends from the first extension portion 214 to the second extension portion 216 and separates the first extension portion 214 from the second extension portion 216. The gap 219 has a Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4The U-shaped or U-like shape of the second portion 107 of the non-conductive body 101 of the accessory 100 shown is the same as or similar to the U-shaped or U-like shape. The sensing area of ​​the NCV sensor within the housing 202 can be referred to as a non-contact sensing area, which can extend along or across the gap 219. For example, when a user utilizes the NCV detector 200 without the accessory 100, the user can place a wire within the gap 219 so that the wire is positioned between the first extension 214 and the second extension 216 in the sensing area of ​​the NCV sensor to detect an electrical characteristic, such as a voltage in the wire. The NCV sensor can be configured to detect other electrical characteristics in the wire, such as current or some other type of electrical characteristic.

[0069] Figure 6A is a top perspective view illustrating a system 222 of the present disclosure, wherein Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 4 One embodiment of the accessory 100 shown is Figure 5 The receiving structure 212 of the NCV detector 200 is shown to removably receive. As discussed earlier, Figure 5 The U-shape of the gap 219 is shown to be Figure 2 The U-shape of the second portion 107 of the illustrated non-conductive body 101 is the same or similar (ie, corresponds to, mimics, resembles, mirrors).

[0070] When users use Figure 5 When using the illustrated NCV detector 200 to measure voltage or electrical characteristics behind an electrical outlet, a user inserts (e.g., slides) the accessory 100 into the gap 219 between the first extension 214 and the second extension 216 of the NCV detector 200. In this embodiment, because the accessory 100 and the gap 219 have the same or similar U-shape, the accessory 100 can be held in place by a pressure fit between the accessory 100 and the first and second extensions 214, 216 of the NCV detector 200. However, the user can later remove the accessory 100 from the NCV detector 200 by pulling on the accessory 100 with sufficient force to overcome the pressure fit and remove the accessory 100 from the first and second extensions 214, 216. When using the accessory 100 with the NCV detector 200, the second portion 107, the first and second extensions 214, 216 of the accessory 100 can be sized and shaped to guide and facilitate insertion of the accessory 100 between the first and second extensions 214, 216 in the correct orientation.

[0071] Figure 6B is an example such as Figure 6AA bottom perspective view of the system 222 is shown. The housing 202 also includes a receiving structure 224 of a peripheral portion 226 that gradually expands from the housing 202, separating the receiving structure 212 from the plurality of buttons 204 and the display 206 of the housing 202. A male end portion 228 (e.g., a male component of a coaxial power plug) coupled to the electrical wire 230 is inserted into and received by the female electrical receptacle 112 (e.g., a female component of a coaxial power plug) of the third portion 110 of the accessory 100. The male end portion 228 is removably received by the receiving structure 224, such that the male end portion 228 is at least partially held in place by the receiving structure 224.

[0072] In some embodiments, the wire 230 is electrically connected to the third external electrical prong 108 via the circuitry present in the accessory 100, thereby grounding the accessory 100. In some embodiments, the accessory 100 does not include the third portion 110 of the non-conductive body 101, and the accessory 100 is grounded using the ground jack of an electrical outlet by inserting the third external electrical prong 108 into the ground jack. In some embodiments, the third external electrical prong 108 is electrically contacted by an electrical contact (not shown) on the outer surface of the receiving structure 212 of the NCV sensor, grounding the third external electrical prong 108 via the circuitry electrically connected to the wire 208 coupled to the housing 202. In some embodiments, the third external electrical prong 108 is electrically coupled to the circuitry within the NCV sensor, such that the third external electrical prong 108 grounds the circuitry within both the NCV detector 200 and the accessory 100. In some embodiments where the third outer conductive prong 108 is not present, the wire 230 grounds the accessory 100 , where a circuit in the accessory 100 is in electrical communication with the first outer conductive prong 104 and / or the second outer conductive prong 106 , utilizing the wire 230 to ground the accessory 100 .

[0073] When the accessory 100 is positioned within the receiving structure 212, the first surface 125 of the non-conductive body 101 physically abuts the second end surface 220 of the first extension 214, and the second surface 127 of the non-conductive body 101 physically abuts the first end surface 218 of the second extension 216. In other words, the first end surface 218 and the second end surface 220 can define the second portion 107 of the non-conductive body 101 of the accessory 100 within the gap 219.

[0074] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional schematic view of the accessory 100 is shown removably positioned between the first extension 214 and the second extension 216 of the NCV detector 200 .

[0075] The contactless sensor 232 within the housing 202 has a sensing area 234, wherein the contactless sensor 232 detects an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, or some other type of electrical characteristic) present within the sensing area 234. The contactless sensor 232 may be referred to as a contactless electrical sensor. In this embodiment, the contactless sensor 232 is a non-contact voltage (NCV) sensor 232, and the sensing area 234 is a voltage sensing area 234. When the accessory 100 is removably received by the receiving structure 212, the internal conductive prong 114 is within the voltage sensing area 234 of the NCV sensor 232. Figure 7 As shown, the first portion 116 of the inner conductive prong 114 extends into the voltage sensing region 234, and the second portion 118 of the inner conductive prong 114 is completely within the voltage sensing region 234. The second portion 118 of the inner conductive prong 114 is positioned adjacent to the NCV sensor 232 such that the second portion 118 is closer to the NCV sensor 232 than the first portion 116.

[0076] The second electrical shield 236 is located within the housing 202 and is positioned between the reference 238 and the NCV sensor 232 within the housing 202. The second electrical shield 236 electrically isolates the reference 238 from the NCV sensor 232 so that no electrical crosstalk occurs between the NCV sensor 232 and the reference 238. The reference 238 is used with the NCV sensor 232 to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) within the internal conductive prong 114, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 10,352,967, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] In a method for detecting electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage) behind an electrical outlet using an accessory 100 with an NCV detector 200, the first and second external conductive prongs 104, 106 of the accessory 100 are inserted into the outlets of the electrical outlet. For example, the first external conductive prong 104 can be inserted into a first outlet (e.g., the hot wire outlet), the second external conductive prong 106 can be inserted into a second outlet (e.g., the neutral wire outlet), and the third external conductive prong 108 can be inserted into a third outlet (e.g., the ground wire outlet). The accessory 100 can be inserted into the electrical outlet before or after being removably received by the receiving structure 212 of the accessory 100. As previously discussed, the switch can selectively electrically couple to either the first electrical pathway 120 or the second electrical pathway 122.

[0078] When the switch is switched to electrically couple to the first electrical pathway 120, the electrical signal continuously travels along the first outer conductive prong 104, the first electrical pathway 120, the switch, and the third electrical pathway 124 into the inner conductive prong 114. The NCV sensor 232 then detects an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) in the inner conductive prong 114.

[0079] When the switch is electrically coupled to the second electrical pathway 122, the electrical signal continuously travels along the second outer conductive prong 106, the second electrical pathway 122, the switch, and the third electrical pathway 124 into the inner conductive prong 114. The NCV sensor 232 then detects an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) in the inner conductive prong 114.

[0080] Figure 8A yes Figure 3 An enlarged schematic view of the accessory 100 is shown removably positioned between the first extension 214 and the second extension 216 of an embodiment of the NCV detector 200 .

[0081] and Figure 7 The illustrated embodiments of the NCV detector 200 are different. Figure 8A The illustrated embodiment of the NCV detector 200 includes a first non-contact sensor 240 and a second non-contact sensor 242 within a housing 202. The first non-contact sensor 240 has a first sensing region 244, and the second non-contact sensor 242 has a second sensing region 245. In this embodiment, the first and second non-contact sensors 240, 242 are NCV sensors 240, 242, and the first and second sensing regions 244, 245 are voltage sensing regions 244, 245. The first portion 134 of the first inner conductive prong 128 extends into the first voltage sensing region 244, and the second portion 136 of the first inner conductive prong 128 is entirely within the first voltage sensing region 244. The third portion 138 of the second inner conductive prong 130 extends into the second voltage sensing region 245, and the fourth portion 140 of the first inner conductive prong 128 is entirely within the first voltage sensing region 244.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first switch 147 and the second switch 138 are not present. For example, the first electrical pathway 120 and the third electrical pathway 142 are directly coupled to each other such that the respective electrical pathways extend from the first inner conductive prong 128 to the first outer conductive prong 104, and the second electrical pathway 122 and the fourth electrical pathway 144 are directly coupled to each other such that the respective electrical pathways extend from the second inner conductive prong 130 to the second outer conductive prong 106.

[0083] In utilizing Figure 8AIn the method of detecting the voltage behind the power socket by using the accessory 100 of the NCV detector 200, the first external conductive prong 104, the second external conductive prong 106 and the third external conductive prong 108 of the accessory 100 are similar to those previously described. Figure 7 The first switch 146 can be selectively electrically coupled to the first electrical path 120 , and the second switch 148 can be selectively electrically coupled to the second electrical path 122 .

[0084] When the first switch 146 is switched to electrically couple to the first electrical pathway 120, the electrical signal continuously travels along the first outer conductive prong 104, the first electrical pathway 120, the first switch 146, and the fourth electrical pathway 142 into the first inner conductive prong 128. The first NCV sensor 240 then detects an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) in the first inner conductive prong 128.

[0085] When the second switch 148 is switched to electrically couple to the second electrical path 122, the electrical signal continuously travels along the second outer conductive prong 106, the second electrical path 122, the second switch 148, and the fifth electrical path 144 into the second inner conductive prong 130. The second NCV sensor 242 then detects an electrical characteristic (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) in the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0086] In some cases, the first electrical shield 132 of the accessory 100 is electrically coupled to the second electrical shield 236 via the electrical pathway 241. The first electrical shield 132 and the second electrical shield 236 are grounded, such that the first electrical shield 132 electrically isolates the first inner conductive prongs 128 from the second inner conductive prongs 130. In some cases, a portion of the first electrical shield 132 protrudes outward from the second end 109 of the second portion of the non-conductive body 101 and can be inserted into an electrical receptacle present at a surface defining the gap 219 of the NCV detector 200. A portion of the first electrical shield 132 can be inserted into the electrical receptacle such that the first electrical shield 132 is electrically coupled to the second electrical shield 236, resulting in the first electrical shield 132 and the second electrical shield 236 being grounded together. In some cases, the first electrical shield 132 is grounded via the wires 230, wherein the male end portion 228 is inserted into the female electrical receptacle 112 of the accessory 100, electrically coupling the wires 230 to the first electrical shield 132 and grounding the first electrical shield 132. In some cases, the first electrical shield 132 is electrically coupled to the second electrical shield 236 via capacitive electrical coupling. In some cases, the first electrical shield 132 is grounded via an external conductive prong (e.g., the third external conductive prong 108) electrically coupled to a ground wire receptacle of the receptacle. The grounding of the first electrical shield 132 electrically isolates the first inner conductive prong 128 from the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0087] Figure 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating additional circuit components of the accessory 100 and the NCV detector 200. For example, in some embodiments, the NCV detector 200 includes a first transimpedance amplifier 800 and a second transimpedance amplifier 802. The first transimpedance amplifier 800 and the second transimpedance amplifier 802 each include a gain resistor (R 增益 ) and the filter resistor (R 滤波器 ). A first transimpedance amplifier 800 is coupled to the first NCV sensor 240 and the second electrical shield 236. A second transimpedance amplifier 802 is coupled to the second NCV sensor 242 and the second electrical shield 236. Reference 238 is coupled to the fixture 210, and the fixture is coupled to a grounded test load reference potential 806. A voltage source 804 is coupled to reference 238, the test load reference potential 806, and the second electrical shield 236. When switches 146, 148 are closed, forming an electrical path between the first and second outer conductive prongs 104, 106 and the corresponding inner conductive prongs 128, 130, the first transimpedance amplifier 800 outputs a voltage V0 indicative of the voltage present within the first inner conductive prong 128, and the second transimpedance amplifier 802 outputs a voltage V1 indicative of the voltage present within the second conductive prong 130. The first current i0 is transmitted from the first contactless sensor 240 to the first transimpedance amplifier 800 , and the second current i1 is transmitted from the second contactless sensor 242 to the second transimpedance amplifier 802 .

[0088] Figure 9 yes Figure 4 An enlarged schematic view of the accessory 100 is shown removably positioned between the first extension 214 and the second extension 216 of an embodiment of the NCV detector 200 .

[0089] and Figure 8A The illustrated embodiments of the NCV detector 200 are different. Figure 9 The illustrated embodiment of the NCV detector 200 includes a non-contact sensor 246 that detects electrical characteristics of the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130 of the accessory 100. The non-contact sensor 246 includes a sensing region 248. In this embodiment, the non-contact sensor 246 is an NCV sensor 246, and the sensing region 248 is a voltage sensing region 248. The first portion 134 of the first inner conductive prong 128 and the third portion 138 of the second inner conductive prong 130 extend into the voltage sensing region 248 of the NCV sensor 246. The second portion 136 of the first inner conductive prong 128 and the fourth portion 140 of the second inner conductive prong 130 are located entirely within the voltage sensing region 248.

[0090] In the method of detecting the voltage behind an electrical outlet using the accessory 100 having the NCV detector 200, the first outer conductive prong 104, the second outer conductive prong 106, and the third outer conductive prong 108 of the accessory 100 are similar to those previously described. Figure 8A The same or similar methods discussed above are plugged into the corresponding socket of the power outlet.

[0091] The electrical signal continues along the first outer conductive prong 104 and the sixth electrical path 150 to the first inner conductive prong 128. The electrical signal continues along the second outer conductive prong 106 and the seventh electrical path 152 to the second inner conductive prong 130. The NCV sensor 246 then detects electrical characteristics (e.g., voltage, current, etc.) in the first inner conductive prong 128 and the second inner conductive prong 130. In some embodiments, the non-contact sensor 246 is replaced by multiple sensors (e.g., two, three, four, etc.). For example, the multiple sensors can be combined with the previously described Figure 8A The first and second contactless sensors 240 and 242 are discussed as being the same or similar.

[0092] exist Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the first electrical shield 132 can be grounded via the wire 230, with the male end portion 228 inserted into the female electrical receptacle 112 of the accessory 100. Grounding the first electrical shield 132 electrically isolates the first inner conductive prong 128 from the second inner conductive prong 130.

[0093] Figure 10 A system 300 is provided that includes one embodiment of a non-contact electrical detector 302 of the present disclosure and one embodiment of an accessory 400. In this embodiment, the non-contact electrical detector 302 is an NCV detector 302. In some embodiments, the non-contact electrical detector 302 is a multimeter or some other type of non-contact electrical detector.

[0094] The NCV detector 302 includes a knob 304, a display 306, and a plurality of buttons 308 in a housing 310 of the NCV detector 302. The knob 304, the display 306, and the plurality of buttons 308 provide a user interface for a user to control the NCV detector 302. For example, a user can interact with the knob 304 and the plurality of buttons 308 to select a measurement value displayed on the display 306 or measured by the NCV detector 302. The display 306 can be a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital display, or some other type of display.

[0095] The clamp 312 mechanically cooperates with the housing 310. The clamp 312 includes a first clamp arm 314 and a second clamp arm 316 extending away from the housing 310. The first clamp arm 314 has a first end 318, and the second clamp arm 316 includes a second end 320. In some embodiments, the first clamp arm 314 is biased toward the second clamp arm 316 by a spring (not shown), and vice versa. In some embodiments, the first clamp arm 314 and the second clamp arm 316 are each biased toward each other by one or more springs.

[0096] A protrusion 322 of the first clamp arm 314 adjacent to the housing 310 provides an actuation structure that allows the first clamp arm 314 to be moved or rotated away from the second clamp arm 316 when a force is applied to the protrusion 322 that overcomes the spring biasing force acting on the first clamp arm 314. For example, by actuating (e.g., moving or rotating) the first clamp arm 314 away from the second clamp arm 316, the accessory 400 can be positioned between the respective ends 318, 320 of the first and second clamp arms 314, 316. Once the accessory 400 is positioned between the respective ends of the first and second clamp arms 314, 316, the user releases the protrusion 322, thereby actuating the first clamp arm 314 toward the second clamp arm 316, such that the accessory 400 is removably clamped or retained between the respective ends 318, 320 of the first and second clamp arms 314, 316 by the biasing force of the spring.

[0097] A first proximity sensor 324 at the first end 318 of the first clamp arm 314 is configured to detect an electrical characteristic present within the non-conductive body 402 of the accessory 400. The non-conductive body 402 can be made of a non-conductive material similar to or the same as the material used to make the non-conductive body 101 described above. A second proximity sensor 326 is located at the second end 320 of the second clamp arm 316. In this embodiment, the first and second proximity sensors 324, 326 are NCV sensors 324, 326. In some embodiments, only one of the first or second NCV sensors 324, 326 is present at only one of the respective ends of the first and second clamp arms 314, 316, respectively. In some embodiments, the first proximity sensor can be an NCV sensor, and the second sensor can be some other type of sensor for detecting a different type of electrical characteristic than the first proximity sensor.

[0098] Figure 11A and Figure 11B Involving Figure 10 Left and right side views of an embodiment of the accessory 400 are shown. In this embodiment, the accessory 400 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with rounded edges.

[0099] A first groove or recess 404 extends into the non-conductive body 402 of the accessory 400 at the left side of the accessory 400, and a second groove or recess 406 extends into the non-conductive body 402 of the accessory 400 at the right side of the accessory 400. The first groove 404 and the second groove 406 are sized and shaped to receive the first end 318 and the second end 320 of the first clamp arm 314 and the second clamp arm 316, respectively. The first end 318 can be received by the first groove 404, such that the first end 318 is embedded in the first groove 404. Similarly, the second end 320 can be received by the second groove 406, such that the second end 320 is embedded in the second groove 406. The first end 318 and the second end 320 are embedded in the first groove 404 and the second groove 406, respectively, allowing the first clamp arm 314 and the second clamp arm 316, respectively, to securely and removably retain the accessory 400.

[0100] The first raised portion 408 around the first groove 404 acts as a border around the first groove 404. When the first end 318 of the first clamp arm 314 is inserted into the first groove 404, the first end 318 interlocks with the first raised portion 408 to help hold the accessory 400 in a secure position when the accessory 400 is held between the first clamp arm 314 and the second clamp arm 316.

[0101] Similarly, the second raised portion 410 around the second groove 406 acts as a boundary around the second groove 406. When the second end 320 of the second clamp arm 316 is inserted into the second groove 406, the second end 320 interlocks with the second raised portion 410 to help hold the accessory 400 in a secure position when the accessory 400 is held between the first clamp arm 314 and the second clamp arm 316.

[0102] The internal features of the accessory 400 may be similar to those previously described with respect to the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 4 The internal features may be the same or similar to those discussed above for the embodiment of accessory 100 in the foregoing. The internal features may be slightly reorganized or configured slightly differently to make it easier for accessory 400 to bring electrical signals into the voltage sensing areas of first proximity sensor 324 and second proximity sensor 326 of first clamp arm 314 and second clamp arm 316. It should be readily understood that accessory 400 may be configured in a manner similar to that of the embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A 、 Figure 6B 、 Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment of the contactless electrical detector 200, the accessory 100 interacts with the contactless sensors 232, 240, 242, 246 in the same or similar manner as the first contactless sensor 324 and the second contactless sensor 326 at the respective ends of the first clamping arm 314 and the second clamping arm 316, respectively.

[0103] Figure 12 One embodiment of an accessory 500 is illustrated that includes an outer conductive prong 502 extending outwardly from a non-conductive body 101. The outer conductive prong 502 can be the same as or similar to the first outer conductive prong 104, the second outer conductive prong 106, or the third outer conductive prong 108, as previously described with respect to FIG. Figure 2 The accessory 100 shown is discussed above. The outer conductive prong 502 is electrically coupled directly to the inner conductive prong 114 via an electrical pathway 504, which can be one or more wires electrically coupling the outer conductive prong 502 to the inner conductive prong 114. The outer conductive prong 502 can be plugged into a receptacle (e.g., a hot receptacle, a neutral receptacle, a ground receptacle, or some other type of receptacle) of an electrical outlet. In some embodiments, a switch along the electrical pathway selectively electrically couples the outer conductive prong 502 to the inner conductive prong 114. It should be readily understood that the accessory 500 can be used with embodiments of the NCV detector 200, as previously discussed, to detect electrical characteristics of electrical wires or circuits at or behind an electrical outlet.

[0104] Although not shown, Figures 1 to 4 The embodiment of the accessory 100 shown and the Figure 10 、 Figure 11A and Figure 11B The embodiment of the accessory 400 shown is suitable for and configured to include a device similar to the Figure 12 A single outer conductive prong of the outer conductive prong 502 is shown.

[0105] Figure 13 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system 600 of the present disclosure. System 600 includes an accessory 601 including at least one internal conductive prong 602 electrically coupled or selectively electrically coupled to at least one external conductive prong 604 via an electrical pathway 606. The at least one internal conductive prong 602 is positioned within a sensing region of at least one non-contact sensor 608 in a non-contact electrical detector 610, allowing the non-contact electrical detector 610 to detect electrical characteristics of an electrical signal in the at least one internal conductive prong 602 without electrical contact between the at least one internal conductive prong 602 and the at least one non-contact sensor 608, as represented by dashed line 612.

[0106] Both the non-contact electrical detector 610 and, preferably, the accessory 601 are grounded. In some cases, the accessory 601 is grounded via an external conductive prong (not shown) that plugs into a ground jack of an electrical outlet. In some cases, the accessory 601 is electrically coupled to the non-contact electrical detector 610 via an electrical connection 613, such as by means of a wire extending between the accessory 601 and the non-contact electrical detector 610. In some cases, the accessory 100 includes a conductive protrusion that is received by a jack of the non-contact electrical detector 610, which electrically couples the accessory 601 to the non-contact electrical detector 610. The non-contact electrical detector 610 can be grounded via a wire coupled to an external fixture (e.g., the wire 208 and fixture 210 described above), which is attached to a grounded object during use.

[0107] The at least one inner conductive prong 602 can be one of the corresponding inner conductive prongs 114, 128, 130 as previously discussed herein. The at least one outer conductive prong 604 can be one of the corresponding outer conductive prongs 104, 106, 108, 502 as previously discussed herein. The at least one contactless sensor 608 can be one of the corresponding contactless sensors 232, 240, 242, 246 as previously discussed herein. The accessory 601 can be one of the corresponding embodiments of the accessories 100, 400, 500 as previously discussed herein. The contactless electrical detector 610 can be one of the corresponding contactless electrical detectors 200, 302 as previously discussed herein. Finally, the system 600 can be one of the corresponding systems 222, 300 as previously discussed herein.

[0108] Figure 14 is a flowchart 700 illustrating a method of utilizing an embodiment of the disclosed accessory and non-contact electrical detector.

[0109] In step 702, the accessory is removably positioned in a form factor (eg, a receiving structure) of a contactless electrical detector. The receiving structure may be, for example, Figure 6A and Figure 6B The female receiving structure 212 shown, or the receiving structure can be as Figure 10The clamp is shown. In step 704, the external conductive prongs of the accessory are inserted into an electrical outlet. Inserting the external conductive prongs into the receptacle electrically couples the accessory to the electrical wiring or circuit at or behind the electrical outlet. After the external conductive prongs are inserted into the receptacle of the electrical outlet, in step 706, the electrical signal in the electrical wiring or circuit is transmitted to the accessory through the external conductive prongs, and the electrical characteristics of the electrical signal in the accessory are detected by a non-contact sensor of a non-contact electrical detector. For example, the non-contact sensor may detect the electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prongs within the accessory that are electrically coupled to the external conductive prongs. After detecting the electrical characteristics, in step 708, the non-contact electrical detector outputs the detected electrical characteristics. For example, the measurement signal or detection signal may be transmitted to a display of the non-contact electrical detector, which outputs the measurement signal or detection signal in a readable form to a user. Alternatively, the measurement signal or detection signal may be transmitted to an external electronic device in communication with the non-contact electrical detector, such as a memory, an external display, or some other external electronic device.

[0110] It should be readily understood that the first step 702 and the second step 704 can be reordered so that the first step occurs after the second step. For example, the external conductive prongs can be inserted into the socket of an electrical outlet, and after insertion, the contactless electrical detector can removably receive the accessory.

[0111] In view of the foregoing disclosure, various examples of the disclosed apparatus, systems, or methods can include any one or combination of the following features.

[0112] These features may include an accessory comprising: a non-conductive body selectively positionable within a form factor of a contactless electrical detector, the form factor being configured to removably receive the non-conductive body; an inner conductive prong within the non-conductive body; and an outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body. The outer conductive prong is electrically coupled or selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong, the outer conductive prong being configured to be inserted into a receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the outer conductive prong to a first receptacle of the electrical outlet.

[0113] The external conductive prong may be a first external conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second external conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, the second external conductive prong being configured to be inserted into the second receptacle of the power outlet to electrically couple the second external conductive prong to the second receptacle of the power outlet.

[0114] The inner conductive prong may be a first inner conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second inner conductive prong within the non-conductive body. The first inner conductive prong is electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong. The second inner conductive prong is electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong. The first inner conductive prong may be electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong via at least a first electrical wire. The second inner conductive prong may be electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong via at least a second electrical wire.

[0115] The accessory may further include a third external conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, wherein the third external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into the third receptacle of the power outlet to electrically couple the third external conductive prong to the third receptacle of the power outlet.

[0116] The outer conductive prong may be a first outer conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second outer conductive prong and a switch. The second outer conductive prong extends outward from the non-conductive body, wherein the second outer conductive prong is selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong and is electrically insulated from the first outer conductive prong. The switch selectively electrically couples the first outer conductive prong and the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong. The switch has a first position that electrically couples the first outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the second outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong. The switch has a second position that electrically couples the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the first outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong.

[0117] In use, the non-conductive body of the accessory can position the inner conductive prong within a sensing area of ​​a contactless electrical sensor of the contactless electrical detector without making electrical contact with the contactless electrical sensor.

[0118] These features may include a system comprising a contactless electrical detector including a housing and a contactless electrical sensor, and an accessory configured to be positioned within a form factor of the contactless electrical detector, the form factor configured to receive the accessory. The accessory comprises: a non-conductive body configured to be removably inserted into the form factor of the contactless electrical detector; an inner conductive prong positioned within the non-conductive body; and an outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, the outer conductive prong being electrically coupled or selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong.

[0119] The external conductive prong may be configured to be inserted into a receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the external conductive prong to the receptacle of the electrical outlet.

[0120] The external conductive prong is a first external conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second external conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body.

[0121] The first external conductive prong can be configured to be inserted into a first receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the first external conductive prong to the first receptacle of the electrical outlet. The second external conductive prong can be configured to be inserted into a second receptacle of the electrical outlet to electrically couple the second external conductive prong to the second receptacle of the electrical outlet.

[0122] The contactless electrical detector may also include a receiving structure integral with the housing, the receiving structure having a form factor configured to removably receive the accessory. The receiving structure includes a first extension of the housing, a second extension of the housing, and a gap between the first and second extensions, the accessory being removably positionable within the gap between the first and second extensions, wherein the first, second, and gaps define the form factor of the receiving structure configured to receive the accessory. The contactless electrical sensor may be positioned within the housing proximate the gap such that, when the accessory is positioned within the gap of the receiving structure, a sensing area of ​​the contactless electrical sensor extends into the gap to detect electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prongs within the accessory.

[0123] The non-contact electrical detector may also include a clamp having a form factor configured to removably receive the accessory, the clamp mechanically cooperating with the housing of the non-contact electrical detector. The clamp includes a first clamp arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a first end; and a second clamp arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a second end, the first end of the first clamp arm being biased toward the second end of the second clamp arm to removably clamp the accessory. The non-contact electrical sensor may be positioned proximate to the first end of the first clamp arm or the second end of the second clamp arm to detect an electrical characteristic of the internal conductive prong within the accessory.

[0124] The non-contact electrical sensor may be a non-contact voltage (NCV) sensor configured to detect voltage.

[0125] The external conductive prong may be a first external conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second external conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, the second external conductive prong being selectively electrically coupled to the contactless electrical detector, the second external conductive prong being configured to be inserted into a ground jack of an electrical outlet.

[0126] The outer conductive prong may be a first outer conductive prong, and the accessory may further include a second outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body. The second outer conductive prong is selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong. The accessory may further include a switch that selectively electrically couples the first outer conductive prong and the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong. The switch is selectively positionable in a first position that electrically couples the first outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while the second outer conductive prong is not coupled to the inner conductive prong. The switch is selectively positionable in a second position that electrically couples the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while the first outer conductive prong is not coupled to the inner conductive prong.

[0127] These features may include a method comprising removably positioning an accessory in a receiving structure of a contactless electrical detector; inserting an external conductive prong of the accessory into a receptacle of an electrical outlet; switching a switch in the accessory to electrically couple to the external conductive prong; detecting an electrical characteristic in the accessory using a contactless electrical sensor of the contactless electrical detector; and outputting an indication of the electrical characteristic detected by the contactless electrical sensor.

[0128] The external conductive prong may be a first external conductive prong and the receptacle may be a first receptacle. The method may further include inserting a second external conductive prong of the accessory into a second receptacle of the power outlet.

[0129] Detecting the electrical characteristic in the accessory may also include detecting the electrical characteristic in an internal conductive prong within the accessory.The electrical characteristic may be one of the corresponding electrical characteristics of the first external conductive prong or the second external conductive prong.

[0130] Inserting the second external conductive prong of the accessory into the second receptacle of the power outlet grounds the contactless electrical detector.

[0131] As will be appreciated, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide additional embodiments. If desired, the various aspects of the embodiments can be modified to employ the concepts of the invention disclosed herein. In view of the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to these embodiments. Generally speaking, in the claims that follow, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification and claims, but should be interpreted as including all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

Claims

1. An accessory to be removably received by a measuring device, comprising: non-conductive bodies; an internal conductive prong located within the non-conductive body; a first outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, wherein the first outer conductive prong is selectively electrically couplable with the inner conductive prong; a second outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, wherein the second outer conductive prong is selectively electrically couplable with the inner conductive prong and is electrically insulated from the first outer conductive prong; and a switch that selectively electrically couples the first outer conductive prong and the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong, the switch having: a first position electrically coupling the first outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the second outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong; and a second position electrically coupling the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the first outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong, The first and second external conductive prongs are configured to be inserted into the corresponding first and second receptacles of the power socket to electrically couple the first and second external conductive prongs to the corresponding first and second receptacles of the power socket.

2. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein the internal conductive prong is a first internal conductive prong, the accessory further comprising a second internal conductive prong located within the non-conductive body, wherein: the first inner conductive prong is electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong; and The second inner conductive prong is electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong.

3. The accessory according to claim 2, wherein: the first inner conductive prong being electrically coupled to the first outer conductive prong by at least a first electrical wire; and The second inner conductive prong is electrically coupled to the second outer conductive prong by at least a second electrical wire.

4. The accessory according to claim 1, further comprising: A third external conductive prong extends outwardly from the non-conductive body, wherein the third external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a third receptacle of the power outlet to electrically couple the third external conductive prong to the third receptacle of the power outlet.

5. The accessory of claim 1 , wherein, in use, the non-conductive body of the accessory positions the inner conductive prong within a sensing area of ​​a contactless electrical sensor without making electrical contact with the contactless electrical sensor.

6. A measurement system comprising: Non-contact electrical detector, including: housing; and Non-contact electrical sensors; and An accessory configured to be positionable in a form factor of the contactless electrical detector, the contactless electrical detector configured to receive the accessory, the accessory comprising: a non-conductive body configured to be removably inserted into the form factor of the contactless electrical detector; an inner conductive prong positioned within the non-conductive body; and an outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, the outer conductive prong being electrically coupled or selectively electrically coupled to the inner conductive prong, wherein the external conductive prong is a first external conductive prong, and the accessory further comprises: a second outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body, wherein the second outer conductive prong is selectively electrically couplable with the inner conductive prong; a switch that selectively electrically couples the first outer conductive prong and the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong, the switch being selectively positionable between: a first position electrically coupling the first outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while the second outer conductive prong is uncoupled to the inner conductive prong; and A second position electrically couples the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while the first outer conductive prong is uncoupled to the inner conductive prong.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the external conductive prong to the receptacle of the electrical outlet.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the external conductive prong is a first external conductive prong, and the accessory further comprises: A second outer conductive prong extends outwardly from the non-conductive body.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein: The first external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a first receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the first external conductive prong to the first receptacle of the electrical outlet; and The second external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into the second receptacle of the power outlet to electrically couple the second external conductive prong to the second receptacle of the power outlet.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the non-contact electrical detector comprises: a receiving structure integral with the housing, the receiving structure having the form factor configured to removably receive the accessory, the receiving structure comprising: a first extension of the housing; a second extension of the housing; and a gap between the first extension and the second extension, the accessory being removably positionable within the gap between the first extension and the second extension, wherein the first extension, the second extension, and the gap define the form factor of the receiving structure configured to receive the accessory; The contactless electrical sensor is positioned within the housing proximate the gap such that when the accessory is positioned within the gap of the receiving structure, a sensing area of ​​the contactless electrical sensor extends into the gap to detect electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prongs within the accessory.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the non-contact electrical detector comprises: a clamp having the form factor configured to removably receive the accessory, the clamp mechanically cooperating with the housing of the contactless electrical detector, the clamp comprising: a first clamp arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a first end; and a second clamp arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a second end, the first end of the first clamp arm being biased toward the second end of the second clamp arm to removably clamp the accessory; The non-contact electrical sensor is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first clamp arm or the second end of the second clamp arm to detect electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prong within the accessory.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the non-contact electrical sensor is a non-contact voltage (NCV) sensor configured to detect voltage.

13. An accessory removably received by a measuring device, comprising: non-conductive bodies; an internal conductive prong located within the non-conductive body; as well as a first outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body; a second outer conductive prong extending outwardly from the non-conductive body; a switch positioned within the non-conductive body, the switch being configured to selectively electrically couple the first and second outer conductive prongs to the inner conductive prongs during operation, the switch having: a first position electrically coupling the first outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the second outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong; and A second position electrically couples the second outer conductive prong to the inner conductive prong while decoupling the first outer conductive prong from the inner conductive prong.

14. The accessory of claim 13, wherein: The non-conductive body is configured to be received by a receiving structure of the contactless electrical detector in operation, the receiving structure being integral with a housing of the contactless electrical detector, the receiving structure having a form factor configured to removably receive the non-conductive body, the receiving structure comprising: a first extension of the housing; a second extension of the housing; and a gap between the first extension and the second extension, the non-conductive body being removably positionable within the gap between the first extension and the second extension, wherein the first extension, the second extension, and the gap define the form factor of the receiving structure configured to receive the non-conductive body; The contactless electrical sensor of the contactless electrical detector is positioned within the housing proximate to the gap, such that when the accessory is positioned within the gap of the receiving structure, a sensing area of ​​the contactless electrical sensor extends into the gap to detect electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prongs within the accessory.

15. The accessory of claim 13, wherein: The non-conductive body is configured to be operatively received by a clamp of a contactless electrical detector, the clamp having a form factor configured to removably receive the non-conductive body, the clamp mechanically cooperating with a housing of the contactless electrical detector, the clamp comprising: a first clamp arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a first end; and a second clamping arm extending outwardly from the housing and having a second end, the first end of the first clamping arm being biased toward the second end of the second clamping arm to removably clamp the non-conductive object; The non-contact electrical sensor of the non-contact electrical detector is positioned adjacent to the first end of the first clamp arm or the second end of the second clamp arm to detect electrical characteristics of the internal conductive prong within the non-conductive body.

16. The accessory of claim 14, wherein: The first external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into a first receptacle of an electrical outlet to electrically couple the first external conductive prong to the first receptacle of the electrical outlet; and The second external conductive prong is configured to be inserted into the second receptacle of the power outlet to electrically couple the second external conductive prong to the second receptacle of the power outlet.

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