Handle-Mounted Status Indication for Safe Electrical Circuit Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators in industrial automation systems face challenges in determining the status of electrical protection circuitry without exposing themselves to high voltages, as existing methods require manual verification and can be hazardous.
Innovation Solution
An electrical status indication system that includes a handle with light-emitting components and a control system to provide real-time visual feedback on the status of electrical protection circuitry, allowing operators to verify the status from a safe distance and authenticate access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually verify the status of electrical protection circuitry, then they can determine the operational state, but they are exposed to high voltages and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary status indication system that includes visual indicators (lights) and audio signals to communicate the operational state of electrical protection circuitry. This intermediary system allows operators to verify status remotely without direct contact with high-voltage components, thereby eliminating exposure to electrical hazards while maintaining accurate status verification through the intermediary signaling mechanism.
2Reliability
If electrical protection circuitry is installed to protect the electrical power distribution network, then safety is improved, but the status of the circuitry is not easily determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-changing visual indicators (lights) that display different colors to represent different operational states of the electrical protection circuitry. For example, green may indicate normal operation while red indicates a tripped or fault condition. This color-coding system makes the circuitry status immediately visible and easily distinguishable without requiring complex measurement equipment or technical expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the status indication system continuously monitors and displays the operational state of the electrical protection circuitry. This real-time feedback allows operators to immediately know whether the circuitry is in a normal, tripped, or fault condition, enabling quick response and decision-making without needing to physically inspect or measure the circuitry.
3Loss of information
If manual verification methods are used to check electrical status, then operators can confirm operational state, but the process is time-consuming and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service status indication system where the electrical protection circuitry automatically provides its own status information through visual and audio indicators. The system monitors its own operational state and communicates it without requiring operator intervention or manual verification procedures. This eliminates both the time loss associated with manual checking and the safety hazards, while ensuring accurate status information is always available.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Reduces operator exposure to high voltages by providing a safe and efficient means to verify the status of electrical protection circuitry, enhancing safety and operational reliability while ensuring only authorized access.
Implementation Method 1
a status indicator that emits light in response to a control signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this present disclosure may include a handle disposed on an outer surface of a housing of electrical circuitry. The handle may provide access to at least a portion of the electrical circuitry. The handle may include a status indicator that emits light in response to a control signal from control circuitry. The status indicator may be disposed around the handle. The control circuitry may detect a state of the electrical protection circuitry. The control circuitry may also transmit the control signal to the status indicator based on the state. The control signal may control one or more properties of the light emitted by the status indicator, and thus indicate to an operator the state of the electrical circuitry.