Electrical Wiring Assessment Kit Using Safe DC Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Teaching electrical wiring skills to students is challenging due to safety hazards, the need for a deep understanding of electricity, and the inefficiency of assessing student projects, which often leads to discontinuation of training programs.

Innovation Solution

An electrical wiring assessment kit that includes a rotomolded plastic case with internal electronics, a breakout box, light socket tester, and outlet tester, using a microcontroller to provide safe DC power and LED indicators for instant feedback on correct wiring configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AC voltage is used to power student wiring projects for realistic training, then electrical wiring skills can be properly taught, but safety hazards increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraining effectivenessVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the electrical parameter from AC voltage to DC voltage, fundamentally changing the safety characteristics while maintaining training value. DC voltage eliminates the shock hazards and arc risks associated with AC power, allowing students to work with realistic electrical components without the same level of danger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a DC power supply unit as an intermediary device between the student's wiring project and the power source. This mediator provides controlled, safe DC power that can be connected to student projects through a standardized interface, enabling realistic training while maintaining safety through controlled voltage and current delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If instructors visually inspect all student wiring projects for assessment, then wiring correctness can be evaluated, but class time is significantly consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring assessment accuracyVSAvoidassessment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-assessment system where the student wiring project automatically tests itself through integrated test points and indicator lights. The student connects power and components, then uses a simple tester to check each circuit, with the project's own indicators showing whether wiring is correct. This eliminates the need for time-consuming instructor visual inspection while maintaining assessment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates immediate visual feedback through indicator lights at test points that show whether each wiring connection is correct or incorrect. This real-time feedback mechanism allows students to self-correct and enables instructors to quickly verify project completion without detailed inspection, dramatically reducing assessment time while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If off-the-shelf outlet testers are used for assessment, then some feedback can be provided, but only a fraction of potential faults are detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting convenienceVSAvoidfault detection completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the assessment function into multiple discrete test points located at strategic locations throughout the wiring project (outlet terminals, switch terminals, light socket terminals, etc.). Each test point independently checks a specific wiring connection, providing granular feedback that comprehensive outlet testers cannot provide. This segmented approach ensures complete fault detection across all wiring elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal testing system that works with all types of wiring projects (outlets, switches, light sockets, appliances) through standardized test points and a single tester design. The system provides comprehensive fault detection across diverse applications, unlike specialized testers that are limited to specific outlet types or configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 safe and efficient testing and assessment of student wiring projects, reducing the risk of injury and saving time, while providing immediate feedback on wiring correctness.

Implementation Method 1

using a microcontroller to provide safe DC power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy transformation:

Implementation Method 2

LED indicators for instant feedback on correct wiring configurations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission from electrical current: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10490103B1Electrical wiring training kit and method of training

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 REALITYWORKS INC

AI summary

A system for assessing electrical wiring skills that includes an electrical assessment circuit for transmitting a unique power signal through each of the hot, neutral and ground wires in an electrical circuit, whereby correctness of wired connections can be detected and wiring defects can be reported with an identification of the specific wire or wires that are incorrectly connected.