Movable Clamp Ammeter for Confined-Space Wire Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp ammeters face challenges in achieving high workability in confined spaces, particularly when measuring currents in distribution switchboards with multiple wires, due to their design interfering with walls and requiring precise alignment for accurate measurement.
Innovation Solution
A clamp ammeter design with a movable portion allowing it to transition between a slim loop and non-loop shape, forming an angle of more than 45° to 90° with the grip, enabling easy passage of multiple wires through a compact form factor, and a rotatable movable portion for opening and closing, facilitated by a trigger mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamp is designed with a fixed circular shape, then the structure is simple, but it cannot pass through walls in confined spaces and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates a movable portion that can change its shape from a closed loop to an open configuration, allowing it to adapt to different spatial constraints. This dynamic structure enables the clamp to pass through walls in confined spaces while maintaining measurement functionality, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is divided into a base portion and a movable portion that can independently move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the clamp to be opened and closed, enabling it to navigate through tight spaces and align with wires accurately without requiring a completely different fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp has a large size to accommodate multiple wires, then it can measure currents in distribution switchboards, but it interferes with walls and becomes difficult to operate in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The movable portion allows the clamp to transition from a compact closed state suitable for confined spaces to an expanded open state capable of accommodating multiple wires. This dynamic transformation provides adaptability across different measurement scenarios without compromising operability in tight environments.
Solution Approach 2:
When closed, the movable portion nests within or alongside the base portion, creating a compact profile that can pass through walls and fit in confined spaces. When opened, the movable portion extends to accommodate multiple wires, providing the necessary measurement capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the clamp uses a fixed shape, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot adapt to different wire arrangements and requires precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp employs a movable portion that can be simply attached to the base, allowing the structure to adapt to various wire arrangements without requiring complex manufacturing. The movability is achieved through simple mechanical connection, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the clamp into a base and a movable portion, the design achieves adaptability through simple mechanical attachment rather than complex integrated structures. This segmentation allows for straightforward manufacturing of each component followed by simple assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
The clamp ammeter includes a clamp and a slim grip. The clamp has a base and a movable portion, which is movable relative to the base. The clamp operates, by the movement of the movable portion, between a closed state and an open state. In front view, a longitudinal direction of the clamp in the closed state forms an angle of more than 45° and equal to or less than a right angle with respect to a longitudinal direction of the grip. The base extends from the grip to a distal end portion of the clamp in a lateral direction of the clamp in the closed state. The movable portion extends from the grip to the distal end portion of the clamp, and makes the clamp from the closed state to the open state by the movement to a proximal side.