Electrical Device Aligning Tool With Pivoting Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical workers face hazards due to miswiring and accidental contact with live circuits while handling electrical components, leading to potential shocks and fires, as existing tools lack precision and safety features for aligning electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
An electrical device aligning tool with a spacer body and pivoting device alignment wings, along with expanding and contracting brackets, that allows for precise alignment and spacing of electrical devices, reducing the risk of accidental contact and enhancing safety during operations like installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical workers use hands or metal tools to manipulate electrical components, then ease of operation is improved, but safety and risk of accidental contact with live circuits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conductive alignment tools as intermediary devices between the electrical worker's hands and the electrical components. These tools include alignment blocks, spacing devices, and positioning aids made from electrically insulating materials that allow workers to manipulate components without direct hand or metal tool contact, thereby preventing electrical shock while maintaining operational ease
2Ease of operation
If electrical components are installed without precise alignment tools, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs alignment tools that establish predetermined spacing and positioning relationships before final component installation. Alignment blocks and spacing devices are positioned in advance to define exact locations and orientations, ensuring precise alignment is achieved before electrical components are permanently mounted, thereby combining ease of operation with manufacturing precision
3Device complexity
If traditional installation methods are used without alignment barriers, then device complexity is reduced, but protection against accidental contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces non-conductive alignment tools as intermediary physical barriers between electrical components and potential contact sources. These tools include alignment blocks, spacing devices, and positioning aids made from electrically insulating materials that prevent accidental contact between conductors and live circuits, thereby reducing arc fault risk without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein include devices and methods for aligning an electrical device. The electrical device aligning tool may include a body member, comprising an end panel at each opposing longitudinal end of the body member and forming a longitudinally perpendicular angle with the body member. The tool may also include an intersecting member coupled to the body member and positioned such that a length of the intersecting member longitudinally intersects the body member at an angle. Additionally, the intersecting member may include an expanding and contracting mechanism, and lateral members coupled to the expanding and contracting mechanism such that the lateral members move horizontally along a front surface of the intersecting member, with respect to a movement of the expanding and contracting mechanism.