LED-Integrated Electrical Test Leads for Dark Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Using a volt meter in dark or dim locations is challenging because it requires both hands to hold test leads and a flashlight, posing safety risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Integrating LED lights into electrical test leads, allowing users to illuminate the test points with one hand, eliminating the need for a separate flashlight by powering the lights with a battery located on the test lead voltmeter inlet connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is used to illuminate test points while using a volt meter, then visibility in dark locations is improved, but the complexity of operation increases and safety risks worsen due to needing to manage multiple devices with both hands
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the test lead by integrating an LED light source and battery into the test lead housing. This merging eliminates the need to separately carry and operate a flashlight, allowing the user to illuminate test points while maintaining secure grip on the test leads with both hands, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining visibility.
2Illumination intensity
If a flashlight is used to illuminate test points, then visibility in dark locations is improved, but the risk of injury worsens due to the struggle of managing multiple devices
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the light source directly into the test lead, the patent eliminates the safety risks associated with juggling multiple devices. The user can securely hold one test lead in each hand while the integrated LED provides illumination, removing the hazard of dropping test leads or mishandling electrical components due to inadequate lighting or poor grip.
3Ease of operation
If integrated LED lights are added to test leads, then ease of operation in dark locations is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the LED light source and battery into the existing test lead structure, combining multiple functions (electrical testing and illumination) into a single device. This approach improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for separate lighting equipment while managing device complexity through efficient integration rather than adding separate components that would increase overall system complexity.
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 safe and efficient electrical signal checking in various lighting conditions without the need to manage a flashlight, reducing the risk of injury and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
Each lead has L.E.D. lights aimed at the test point
Implementation Method 2
a small battery used to power the L.E.D. lights on the test leads. The battery is located on the back of the test lead voltmeter inlet connector
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of light shining electrical test leads, the pair using L.E.D. or other lights. The lights are showing to the test point of the electrical leads. The lights receive power from a battery. The lights may be turned off when not needed and turned on when the user is in locations of little or no light. When in locations of little or no light, the user shall use the lights to help determine electrical current while seeing better to avoid injuries.