Articulating Test Probe for Obstructed Terminal Cavities
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical testing devices struggle to obtain accurate readings in tight or obstructed spaces due to their bulkiness and the need for additional adaptors to navigate around obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connector with articulating links allows the probe to bend from 0 to 180 degrees, enabling improved measurements without removing obstructions or requiring additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional rigid testing device is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot access tight or obstructed spaces to obtain accurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The test lead is divided into distinct segments: a non-flexible portion for attachment to the testing body, a flexible connector with articulating links for navigation, and a non-flexible probe for measurement. This segmentation allows each portion to serve its specific function optimally while solving the access problem in tight spaces
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible connector incorporates articulating links that can dynamically adjust their configuration, allowing the probe to bend and articulate in multiple directions to reach terminal cavities obscured by wiring harnesses or other components, while the testing body remains stationary and easy to handle
2Measurement precision
If obstructions are cleared from the testing area, then accurate readings can be obtained with traditional devices, but this requires additional time and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector is pre-configured with articulating links that can automatically navigate around obstructions without requiring the user to manually clear them first. The probe can bend and articulate to reach the terminal cavity while obstructions remain in place, eliminating the time-consuming manual intervention step
3Ease of operation
If additional adaptor components are used to navigate obstructions, then the device can access difficult spaces, but the device complexity increases and requires extra components
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible connector with articulating links is integrated directly into the test lead assembly, merging the navigation capability with the measurement function in a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate adaptor components while maintaining the ability to navigate around obstructions and access difficult terminal cavities
Data Source
AI summary
A device for testing a voltage level in an electrical terminal cavity having a testing body and a test lead for insertion into the electrical terminal cavity. The test lead includes a non-flexible portion configured to be attached to the testing body, a non-flexible probe configured to be inserted into the electrical terminal cavity, and a flexible connector extending between the non-flexible portion and the non-flexible probe such that the flexible connector has two or more links, each able to articulate in a plurality of directions. The device also includes a circuit operatively coupled with the probe to sense the voltage level in the electrical terminal cavity.