Handheld Current Tester Fuse Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing devices lack a handheld capability to simulate a fuse based on programmed specifications, which prevents them from indicating current levels and opening circuits when these levels exceed set limits, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A handheld current testing device with a microprocessor, memory, and user-programmable fuse specifications, allowing users to select from stored models and simulate fuses, which opens the circuit if current levels exceed programmed limits and displays the reached current level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional testing devices are used, then basic current measurement is possible, but handheld capability to simulate fuse based on programmed specifications is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can measure current, simulate different fuse specifications through programming, indicate current levels, and open circuits when limits are exceeded. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The device creates a simulated fuse by copying the electrical characteristics of actual fuses through programmable parameters stored in memory. Instead of requiring physical fuse samples or multiple real fuses, the system replicates their behavior electronically, enabling versatile testing without proportional increase in physical complexity
2Reliability
If fuse simulation with programmed specifications is implemented, then current level indication and circuit protection are achieved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces physical mechanical fuses with an electronic simulation system using a microprocessor, memory, and comparison circuitry. This substitution eliminates the need for multiple physical fuse components and their associated housing, mounting structures, and replacement mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining or improving reliability through programmable protection thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows fuse specifications to be changed through programming parameters in memory rather than requiring physical replacement of fuse components. This parameter-based approach enables flexible adaptation to different circuit protection requirements without increasing hardware complexity, as the same physical device can be reconfigured for different voltage, current, and time characteristics through software
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fuse models specifications are stored in memory, then user selection flexibility is improved, but memory requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fuse models are stored as sets of electrical parameters (voltage ratings, current ratings, time characteristics) in memory rather than as complex structural definitions. This parameter-based storage approach allows flexible selection of different fuse types while minimizing memory requirements, as the same parameter structure can represent various fuse specifications without requiring proportional increases in storage capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A current testing device including a housing assembly, an electrical assembly and a circuit board assembly is disclosed herein. The housing assembly includes a housing that encloses the electrical assembly. The electrical assembly includes a battery, a microprocessor, a display, a keypad, a power button, an electrical port, and test cables. The microprocessor permits the user to simulate a fuse. The microprocessor has a memory in which a predetermined catalogue of fuses characteristics is stored. The user connects the test cables to a circuit board where the fuse is blown. The keypad allows the user to type the simulation characteristics while the display shows the results of the simulation.