Modular Light Bulb Mounting for Safe Electrical Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical detection methods are not safe and convenient for testing the presence of electrical power, current, or voltage, and lack easily interchangeable parts for repair and reuse.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a light bulb mounting with electrical terminals and sockets for test leads, a non-conductive base, and a cover, which includes a handle and insulating materials to ensure safety and ease of use, allowing interchangeable parts for repair and reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional lamp-bulb holder with prongs is used for electrical detection, then the detection function is achieved, but safety is compromised due to exposed conductive parts
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: an insulating housing that contains the light bulb holder, and separate test lead connection points. This segmentation allows the conductive elements to be isolated within the insulating structure, maintaining safety while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating material acts as an intermediary between the user and the conductive elements. The housing made of insulating material mediates the interaction, allowing electrical detection to occur while preventing direct contact with live parts, thus ensuring safety without compromising ease of operation.
2Ease of repair
If a fixed integrated design is used, then structural simplicity is achieved, but repairability and reusability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with separable components including a light bulb holder, test lead connections, and housing sections. This segmentation enables individual parts to be replaced or repaired independently, improving repairability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy replacement of worn or damaged components such as the light bulb, test leads, or housing sections. Individual parts can be discarded and replaced without replacing the entire device, improving ease of repair and reusability while keeping the overall structure manageable.
3Reliability
If exposed electrical terminals are used for connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but safety is compromised due to risk of electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating housing serves as an intermediary barrier between exposed electrical terminals and the user. This allows the terminals to remain exposed for electrical connection purposes while the insulating material prevents direct contact, ensuring safety without requiring complex enclosed connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing provides localized insulation specifically at areas where electrical connections are made. The insulating material is applied or structured in specific locations where safety is needed, rather than requiring complete enclosure of all electrical components, thus balancing safety with manufacturing simplicity.
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
The device provides safer and more convenient electrical testing with improved safety features and ease of maintenance, enabling accurate and reliable detection of electrical power, current, or voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a lamp-bulb indicates the presence of electricity (voltage, current and/or power) and thus provides the means of detection
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connection with a source of electrical power, current, and/or voltage is described wherein the device comprises an electrical light source or light bulb mounting having at least first and second electrical terminals arranged in electrical connection with, respectively, at least first and second sockets for connection with test leads. Kits comprising the device and methods of using the device are also described.