Casing Access Panel with Tool Attachment for Safe Terminal Grounding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance and inspection of electric terminals are dangerous, time-consuming, and laborious due to uncertainty about the terminal's state during de-energization, as existing solutions do not ensure safe access to potentially energized terminals.

Innovation Solution

A casing with a movable access panel and tool attachment portions, allowing safe access and grounding of the electric terminal, enabling workers to inspect or remove the casing while ensuring the terminal is grounded, using features like hooks and rotationally symmetrical tool attachments for easy handling from a distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the casing is removed completely for maintenance and inspection, then access to the electric terminal is achieved, but safety is compromised because the terminal may be energized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to electric terminalVSAvoidelectrical hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The casing is divided into a fixed portion and a movable access panel. The access panel can be opened independently from the main casing body, allowing workers to access the electric terminal without removing the entire casing. This segmentation enables safe inspection while the main casing remains in place to provide protection and grounding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A grounding stick serves as an intermediary tool between the worker and the electric terminal. The grounding stick allows workers to establish an electrical connection to ground the terminal before approaching, creating a safe intermediate state that eliminates electrical hazard while enabling access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If workers approach close to the electric terminal for inspection, then detailed examination is possible, but the risk of electrical arcing and burns increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection timeVSAvoidburns from electrical arcing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The access panel is equipped with tool attachment portions that allow grounding tools to be attached before the worker approaches the terminal. The grounding operation is performed in advance through the access panel, creating a safe electrical state before the worker needs to be in close proximity for inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct manual handling with tool-assisted operation. Specialized tools with grounding capabilities are used through the access panel, substituting the need for workers to physically touch or closely approach energized components, thereby eliminating the risk of electrical arcing and burns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the access panel is designed to be easily movable for quick access, then inspection speed increases, but the panel may accidentally detach or fall

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess speedVSAvoidpanel detachment risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The access panel is designed as a separate, movable component that can be quickly opened and closed independently from the main casing. This segmentation allows rapid access while maintaining the structural integrity of the main casing, reducing the risk of accidental detachment of the entire casing assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the access panel and the main casing is designed with localized attachment features at specific positions. These localized connection points provide sufficient securing strength to prevent accidental detachment while allowing easy manual operation for quick access during inspection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Device complexity

If workers must manually handle the access panel without tool attachments, then the structure remains simple, but safety and ease of operation from a distance are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess panel structureVSAvoidsafe handling from distance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tool attachment portions are designed with universal compatibility to accommodate various grounding tools and inspection devices. This multi-functionality allows the same access panel structure to work with different tool types, providing safe remote operation capabilities without requiring multiple specialized panel designs, thus maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing operational safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3910653B1Casing having an access panel with a tool attachment portion

Publication Date: 2023.05.10 TYCO ELECTRONICS (UK) LTD

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Figure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a casing (1) having an interior volume (2) adapted to at least partially receive an electric terminal (4), particularly a bushing (40). Furthermore, the casing (1) comprises an access panel (6) which, in a closed position (8), covers an access opening (10) for accessing the interior volume (2) from outside the casing (1), wherein the access panel (6) is configured to be movable into an open position (12), in which the access opening is open. In order to allow a movement of the access panel (6) from a secure distance, the access panel (6) comprises at least one tool attachment portion (14) for attaching a tool (16).