Multi-lead Jumper Cable Assembly with Shielded Tips
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Solution Overview
Problem
HVAC system maintenance and troubleshooting require convenient, portable, and compact testing equipment to handle multiple functions, but existing solutions with single leads necessitate repeated manipulations for circuit testing.
Innovation Solution
An electrical jumper cable assembly with multiple leads connected serially at one end and individually connected terminals, featuring magnetized conductive tips and adjustable cover elements for selective exposure, along with a fastener for easy attachment to units, facilitating convenient conductivity testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single lead is used for testing circuits, then the testing equipment is simple and portable, but repeated manipulations are required to survey multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The single lead is segmented into multiple leads (first lead, second lead, third lead, fourth lead) that are electrically connected in series. Each lead has its own terminal with conductive tip, allowing simultaneous access to multiple circuit points without repeated manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple leads are merged into a single cable assembly with series electrical connection. The leads are bundled together with insulating material and connected through a bus, creating one integrated tool that performs multiple testing functions simultaneously.
2Productivity
If multiple leads are connected in series to test multiple functions, then testing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly uses a nested structure where insulating material surrounds the conductors, which are connected through a bus. Terminals with conductive tips are nested within the insulating material, creating a compact multi-functional assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulating material in the form of flexible tubing or sheathing envelops the multiple conductors and their connections. This provides structural integrity and electrical isolation while maintaining flexibility and portability of the cable assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conductive tips are exposed for circuit contact, then testing functionality is enabled, but risk of short circuits or accidental contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal structure allows the conductive tip to be dynamically exposed or covered. The terminal can be opened to expose the conductive tip for circuit contact, and closed to cover and protect the tip when not in use, providing adaptive safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal acts as an intermediary between the exposed conductive tip and the external environment. It provides controlled access to the conductive tip while offering protection when closed, mediating between the need for circuit contact and the need for safety.
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
Enables efficient and convenient testing of HVAC control circuits and similar systems by reducing the need for repeated manipulations, improving portability and ease of use during maintenance and troubleshooting.
Implementation Method 1
featuring magnetized conductive tips
Data Source
AI summary
An electric circuit jumper cable assembly having a plurality of leads electrically connected serially at first ends of the leads to form an electrical junction within a bus within a housing; a plurality of terminals individually connected at second ends of the leads, each terminal having: a base, an electrically conductive tip in the base electrically connected to one of the leads; and a cover element relative to the base that selectively shields at least a portion of the electrically conductive tip. The electric circuit jumper cable assembly is useful for convenient testing of electrical circuits.