Multimodal Voltage Test Device with Audible and Visual Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage test devices struggle to accurately indicate voltage levels on electrical conductors, particularly in environments with ambient lighting, as they often rely solely on visual cues that can be difficult to interpret.
Innovation Solution
A multimodal voltage test device that includes a circuit with a first light source and an audio device, which illuminate and emit sounds based on measured voltage thresholds, providing multiple modes of notification for voltage levels, such as green for less than 108 volts, yellow for 20-220 volts, and red for greater than 220 volts, along with distinct sound patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a visual light indicator is used to indicate voltage levels, then the device structure remains simple, but the indication accuracy deteriorates in ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indication modalities (visual light indicators and auditory sound indicators) into a single voltage testing device. The circuit generates both visual signals from light sources and auditory signals from a sound indicator, allowing the device to overcome the limitation of visual-only indicators in ambient lighting conditions while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional visual indication system to a multi-dimensional indication system by adding the auditory dimension. The sound indicator provides voltage level information through sound patterns (continuous, intermittent, or no sound) in addition to visual light patterns, enabling operators to interpret voltage levels through multiple sensory channels
2Measurement precision
If multiple indication modes are added to improve voltage level identification, then the indication accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a circuit that performs multiple functions: it measures voltage, determines voltage levels against predefined thresholds, generates visual indication signals through multiple light sources, and generates auditory indication signals through a sound indicator. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive voltage level identification while consolidating control logic within a single circuit system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses different light source colors (red, yellow, green) to indicate different voltage levels, with each color representing a specific voltage range. This color-coding system provides intuitive visual differentiation of voltage levels, working in conjunction with the auditory indicators to enhance overall indication accuracy
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
Enhances the ability to accurately identify electrical voltage levels under various environmental conditions by combining visual and auditory cues, improving operator awareness of voltage status.
Implementation Method 1
A first light source is electrically coupled to the circuit. The circuit is configured to cause the first light source to illuminate in response to the voltage measured by the circuit being equal to or greater than a first threshold
Implementation Method 2
An audio device is electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to cause the first light source to illuminate and to emit a first sound from the audio device in response to the voltage measured by the circuit being equal to or greater than a first threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A multimodal voltage test device and method of operating is provided. The device includes a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact. A circuit electrically is disposed between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact, the circuit being configured to measure a voltage between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. A first light source is electrically coupled to the circuit. An audio device is electrically coupled to the circuit, wherein the circuit is configured to cause the first light source to illuminate and to emit a first sound from the audio device in response to the voltage measured by the circuit being equal to or greater than a first threshold.