Multi-function Measuring Instrument for Wire and Crimp Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-function gauges are inadequate for measuring multiple characteristics of electrical conductors and crimps in high voltage, high current environments, particularly for copper and aluminum wires, as they are limited to measuring a single characteristic and fail to account for varying die sizes and compression forces.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function measuring instrument with a main body, slide arm, and measuring markers that can measure wire sizes and compression forces across different metal compositions, including copper and aluminum, using a caliper-type design with interchangeable identifiers and a slide rail mechanism to align markers with corresponding characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-function gauge is used to measure electrical conductors, then the measurement process is simple and the device structure is basic, but the instrument can only measure a single characteristic (outer diameter of copper conductors) and cannot measure multiple characteristics associated with electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring instrument is designed with multiple measuring arms (first measuring arm, second measuring arm, third measuring arm) that can measure different characteristics including outer diameter, inner diameter, and thickness. The instrument can measure both copper and aluminum conductors, and can determine appropriate lug or connector sizes, making it a universal multi-function measuring tool that replaces multiple single-function gauges
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument divides measurement functions into separate measuring arms, each with specific measuring identifiers. The first measuring arm measures outer diameter, the second measures inner diameter, and the third measures thickness. Each measuring arm can be positioned independently to measure different characteristics of the conductor or connector
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-function measuring instrument with multiple measuring arms and identifiers is used, then measurement versatility is improved, but the device complexity and structural sophistication increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measuring arms with different measuring identifiers are merged into a single integrated instrument body. The first measuring arm with first measuring identifiers, second measuring arm with second measuring identifiers, and third measuring arm with third measuring identifiers are all combined in one instrument, allowing comprehensive measurements to be taken with a single device rather than multiple separate tools
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring instrument that includes a main body and a slide arm. The main body has a first plate with a first set of measuring identifiers, a second plate with a second set of measuring identifiers, a channel between the first plate and the second plate, and a measuring arm. The slide arm has a measuring arm and a slide rail. The slide rail is positioned within the channel and movable relative to the main body. The slide rail also has a plurality of measuring markers that can align with at least one of the measuring identifiers.