Integrated Voltage Detector in Cell Phone Case

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Solution Overview

Problem

Workers, such as electricians and handymen, frequently misplace or borrow voltage detectors, leading to injuries due to the lack of availability when checking if electric wires are 'live' before working with them.

Innovation Solution

A cell phone case integrated with a voltage detector that includes a sensor device with an extension system, allowing the sensor to be securely housed and easily extended for use, while also providing insulation to protect both the user and the device from electrical currents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a voltage detector is carried separately, then it can be used for detecting voltage, but it is easy to misplace or forget and not available when needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveavailability of voltage detectorVSAvoidseparate carrying of voltage detector

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the voltage detector with a cell phone case, integrating two separate tools into one unified device. The voltage detector is housed within the case structure, allowing the user to carry both the phone and voltage detector together, eliminating the risk of forgetting or misplacing the voltage detector separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cell phone case is designed to serve multiple functions: it protects the cell phone while simultaneously housing a voltage detector. This multi-functional design ensures that the voltage detector is always available whenever the phone case is carried, improving reliability without requiring separate carrying arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the case provides insulation for the electronic device, then it protects from electrical current, but it may reduce the effectiveness of voltage detection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulation protectionVSAvoidvoltage detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The case creates separate functional zones with different electrical properties: the sensor housing area allows electrical interaction for detection, while the electronic device compartment provides insulation protection. This segmentation enables both voltage detection effectiveness and device protection to coexist without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11714109B2Cell phone case with voltage detector

Publication Date: 2023.08.01 GNIEWOZ ZACHARY D

AI summary

Presented are one or more embodiments of a device which includes a case and a sensor device. The case includes a first indent configured to secure an electronic device, the first indent in a first side of the case, a second indent in a second side of the case opposite the first side, the second indent extending from a first edge of the case in a first direction such that second indent is open at the first edge of the case, and a securing device in the second indent. The sensor device includes an outer casing configured to slide in the first direction in the second indent and at least partially prevented from leaving the second indent by the securing device, and a sensor at least partially in the outer casing.