Snap-fit Lighting Attachment for Handheld Magnetization Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lighting attachments for handheld magnetization equipment in non-destructive testing (NDT) are cumbersome, requiring significant disassembly, additional parts, and external power sources, which hinder effectiveness and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A lighting attachment that securely attaches to handheld magnetization equipment, using electromagnetic induction to power LED lighting elements, allowing for secure, removable, and efficient illumination without altering the equipment's operation or requiring additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting attachments are used for handheld magnetization equipment, then illumination is provided during NDT inspections, but the attachments require significant disassembly, additional parts, and external power sources, increasing device complexity and ease of operation issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting illuminationVSAvoidattachment assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting attachment is merged with the handheld magnetization equipment by attaching to the yoke structure, combining illumination functionality with the existing magnetization device. The attachment uses the yoke's magnetic field for power generation and integrates LED elements directly into the attachment structure, eliminating the need for separate external power sources and complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting attachment serves multiple functions: it provides illumination during inspections, generates its own power through electromagnetic induction from the yoke's magnetic field, and attaches securely to the handheld equipment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for external power sources and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting attachments are used, then illumination is provided, but external power sources are required, increasing loss of energy and device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting illuminationVSAvoidpower source requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting attachment generates its own power through electromagnetic induction using the magnetic field produced by the handheld yoke during magnetization. The attachment contains a coil that induces electrical current from the alternating magnetic field, which then powers the LED lighting elements, eliminating the need for external power sources or batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coil in the lighting attachment acts as an intermediary that converts the magnetic field energy from the yoke into electrical energy to power the LEDs. This intermediary mechanism enables energy transfer from the magnetization process to the lighting function without requiring external power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If conventional lighting attachments are used, then illumination is provided, but significant disassembly and additional parts are required, worsening ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting illuminationVSAvoidattachment installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting attachment is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently attached to or removed from the handheld yoke. This segmentation allows the lighting function to be added or removed without disassembling the main magnetization equipment, simplifying operation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment is pre-configured with all necessary components including the coil, LED elements, and mounting features. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for additional parts or complex assembly procedures during field use, as the attachment is ready to install by simply securing it to the yoke.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides cost-effective and efficient illumination during NDT inspections, ensuring continuous lighting without interfering with the magnetization process and eliminating the need for external power sources or complex assembly.

Implementation Method 1

using electromagnetic induction to power LED lighting elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11415300B2Snap-fit lighting attachments for use in conjunction with magnetization equipment during non-destructive testing (NDT)
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • US11415300B2 patent drawing
  • US11415300B2 patent drawing
  • US11415300B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for implementing and utilizing lighting attachments for use in conjunction with handheld magnetization equipment during non-destructive testing (NDT). The lighting attachments may incorporate snap-fit based designed, and may be configured for providing lighting based on the magnetization function of the magnetization equipment.