Hot Stick Probe Retention Mechanism for Low Voltage Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hand-held electrical probes that require direct contact with conductors pose a safety risk due to the potential for electrical shock when detecting AC signal potentials.

Innovation Solution

A hot stick with a telescoping arm and non-conductive materials, allowing for manipulation of probes from a safe distance, featuring a resilient locking mechanism, gripping material, and a mechanism to retain probes securely, reducing the risk of electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If direct contact probes are used to detect electrical potential, then detection capability is improved, but safety risk increases due to potential electrical shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidelectrical shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a non-conductive extension arm as an intermediary between the user's hand and the electrical workpiece. This extension arm allows the probe to detect electrical potential while maintaining a safe distance, eliminating the direct contact hazard. The intermediary component transfers the detection function while blocking the harmful electrical contact path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a telescoping arm with locking mechanism is used to maintain safe distance, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical shock riskVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arm is divided into multiple telescoping sections that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows the arm to extend to various lengths while maintaining a compact form when retracted. The modular segmented structure enables safe distance adjustment without requiring an overly complex single-piece mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses spring-loaded detents that automatically engage with corresponding slots in the telescoping sections. This self-service locking system maintains the extended position without requiring continuous user input or complex active control systems, reducing operational complexity while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a mechanism is added to securely retain the probe, then probe retention is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe retentionVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical probe retention systems with a simple magnetic attachment mechanism. The magnet embedded in the connector body provides secure probe retention through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for screws, clips, or other complex mechanical fastening systems while maintaining reliable probe attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3476541B1Reach tool for use in low voltage applications

Publication Date: 2022.11.30 OTIS ELEVATOR CO

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AI summary

A hot stick for manipulating a probe from a position a selected distance away from a workpiece, the tool (20) including an arm (22), a connector (50) coupled to the arm (22), the connector (50) including a connector body (52,54) having a contoured first surface (54,70), and a mechanism (58) movable relative to the connector body (52,54) and configured to cooperate with the first surface (54,70) of the body (52) to retain a probe.