Wireless Multi-Scan Wire Identifier for Building Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying and mapping wire pairs in building structures without a wiring diagram is time-consuming and costly, often requiring two technicians to establish connections and communicate manually.
Innovation Solution
A wireless multi-scan wire identifier system with a base unit and portable unit, using RF transceivers and microprocessors to scan wire pairs for continuity and detect changes in status, allowing a single technician to identify and record wire pair locations efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two technicians work together to identify wire pairs manually, then the identification can be completed, but the process is time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing methods with an automated electronic scanning system. The wire identifier device automatically applies voltage to wire pairs and detects continuity electronically, eliminating the need for manual trial-and-error connection testing by technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables a single technician to perform identification independently without requiring coordination with a second technician. The system provides self-contained functionality with automatic scanning, display, and recording capabilities that allow one person to complete the entire identification process.
2Reliability
If technicians use manual communication methods (radio or meeting) to coordinate wire pair identification, then connection establishment can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an RF transceiver system as an intermediary communication channel between the base unit and portable unit. This wireless communication intermediary eliminates the need for direct technician-to-technician coordination through radio or physical meetings, while maintaining reliable connection establishment feedback.
3Measurement precision
If technicians perform multiple trips to the common location to change pair connections, then all wire pairs can be identified, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The base unit performs preliminary scanning and identification of wire pairs at the common location before the technician visits remote locations. The system pre-establishes the voltage application and continuity detection framework, allowing the technician to simply observe results on the portable unit without returning to the common location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the identification function into two spatial dimensions: the base unit remains at the common location (wiring closet) while the portable unit is taken to remote locations. This dimensional separation allows simultaneous scanning at the common location and observation at remote locations, eliminating the need for repeated trips between locations.
4Reliability
If trial and error methods are used to establish wire pair connections, then connections can be made, but the process requires excessive effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements immediate feedback through the portable unit's display, which shows continuity results in real-time as the base unit scans wire pairs. This feedback mechanism eliminates trial-and-error by providing definitive yes/no continuity information for each wire pair, allowing the technician to immediately know which wire pairs are connected without repeated testing.
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 rapid and accurate identification of wire pair locations with minimal effort, eliminating trial-and-error methods and reducing the need for multiple trips to the central location, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
The base unit includes a transceiver, a processor, and a voltage sensor, for applying a voltage to and measuring a voltage across the first ends of each of wire pairs connected to a pair of wire connectors
Implementation Method 2
The processor is configured to communicate to the remote unit, via the transceiver, a unique identifier associated with a pair of wire connectors exhibiting a voltage change
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for identifying the location of the terminal end of one or more wire pairs in a structure having a first end at a common origin, a microprocessor sequentially scans voltage applied on the first ends of each of the plurality of wire pairs, storing in memory a value relative to the voltage reading of the selected wire pair and identifying which wire pair has a change in value to a previously stored value when a user changes the status of the second end of each wire pair at the remote location. The microprocessor sends a wireless signal to a hand held device identifying the selected wire pair with the changed status and the user located at the remote location records the physical location of the second end of the wire pair relative to the identity of the first end of the wire pair.