Electronic simulator

• US 20030124495A1
• Filed: 11/08/2002
• Published: 07/03/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: AIT Incorporated (Willy Naessens Industriebouw NV)
• Original Assignee: AIT Incorporated (Willy Naessens Industriebouw NV)
• Inventors: Pelkus, Adrian
• Granted Patent: US 6,773,265 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 434/224
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 25/025 hydraulic; pneumatic

Abstract

The device described is an Electronic Simulator for use as a teaching aid.

This device uses fluid with suspended particles representing electrons that can be seen flowing through the transparent parts. This hydraulic based teaching aid visually demonstrates electronic principles including but not limited to; voltage, current, circuit path, resistance, capacitance, and semiconductors.

Battery, Capacitor, Conductor, Diode, Resistor, Switch and Transistor functions are all simulated with quick connected transparent hydraulic components. A flow meter measures current Amps. A pressure gauge measures Volts Seeing the “electrons” flow thru the transparent components teaches the basic principles of electronics quickly and easily.

A small air pump serves to charge the Battery. When pneumatically pressurized, the Battery supplies the hydraulic force to push the particle suspended fluid through the different components.

As a teaching aid, the electronic simulator includes an instructional booklet and interactive CD that provides various circuit configuration connection diagrams.

Claims

1. A method of teaching electronics that includes the utilization of an electronic simulator that uses liquid holding suspended particles flowing through transparent parts to visibly represent electric current flowing through various electronic components;

the transparent parts acting as functional hydraulic equivalents of their electronic component counterparts;

a) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a battery made from clear plastic.

b) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a conductor made from clear plastic tubing.

c) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a switch made from clear plastic.

d) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a resistor made from clear plastic.

e) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a capacitor made from clear plastic.

f) said electronic simulator having at least one transparent functional hydraulic equivalent of a transistor made from clear plastic.

2. A method of teaching electronics that includes the utilization of an electronic simulator as per claim 1 that includes an instructional booklet and interactive CD that provides various circuit configuration connection diagrams.

3. A method of teaching electronics that includes the utilization of an electronic simulator as per claim 1, said electronic simulator transparent parts having quick connect fittings for fast and leak less circuit component connections.