Multifunctional Portable Ticket Clamp Plate with Integrated Lighting and Rain Shield

The problem

Utility workers, maintenance technicians, and field inspectors frequently need to fill out operation tickets or log data while standing outdoors. In low-light conditions, such as night shifts or dimly lit substations, standard clipboards are useless because the operator cannot see the paper clearly. When rain occurs, the water soaks the paper, causing ink to smear and making the records unreadable. Operators often have to juggle flashlights, umbrellas, and pens simultaneously, which slows down work and increases the risk of dropping tools or damaging equipment. Existing solutions lack integration; a flashlight illuminates the paper but not the equipment being checked, and simple rain covers are cumbersome to attach and remove quickly.

The solution

1. The device consists of a bottom plate (10) with a ticket clamp (11) at the top to hold papers securely.
2. A first lamp groove (22) is located near the head side of the front surface. A first lamp plate (20) is hinged here, carrying a first illuminating lamp (21). This lamp shines forward onto the ticket for reading.
3. On the reverse side of the bottom plate, a second light trough (32) holds a second lamp plate (30) with a second illuminating lamp (31). This lamp shines backward to illuminate the environment or equipment behind the operator.
4. A waterproof component (40) is mounted at the head side. It uses a transparent waterproof cloth wound on a spring-loaded roller inside a bottom shell (16). Pulling the cloth extends it over the paper to block rain.
5. The bottom shell (16) attaches to the back of the plate and contains the battery and a charging interface (162), typically USB.
6. At the tail side, a pen socket (61) accepts a writing pen (60), secured further by an elastic snap ring (62) to prevent loss.

Who it is for

• Power grid maintenance teams needing reliable documentation tools for night inspections and rainy weather.
• Telecom field technicians who climb towers or work in basements where lighting is poor and hands must remain free.
• Construction site supervisors recording daily logs in variable outdoor conditions without stopping work.
• Emergency response units requiring immediate, legible documentation under stress and adverse weather.

How it works

The main parts

Operating steps

1. Clamp the ticket into the holder (11) on the front face.
2. Deploy lights: Swing the first lamp plate (20) out to illuminate the paper. If working in the dark, swing the second lamp plate (30) out to light up the surroundings.
3. Rain protection: If it starts raining, pull the limiting block attached to the waterproof cloth. The cloth extends over the paper, protected by the rain rack supports. Release it, and the coil spring rewinds the cloth automatically.
4. Write and store: Use the pen stored in the side socket (61). After writing, insert the pen into the socket and clip it under the elastic buckle (62) to prevent dropping.
5. Recharge: Connect a cable to the USB interface (162) on the bottom shell to charge the battery.

Applications

Night power line inspections

Technicians can read switch status labels and fill out operation tickets simultaneously using the dual-lamp system, ensuring accuracy without extra flashlights.

Outdoor construction logging

Site managers record material deliveries or safety checks during sudden rain showers by deploying the retractable waterproof shield, keeping paperwork dry and legible.

Telecommunications tower maintenance

Workers climbing isolated towers need both hands free. The integrated pen holder prevents tool loss, while the rear lamp helps spot connection points in shadowed areas.

Emergency disaster response

First responders in flood-prone areas can document victim details or resource allocation on wet paper by extending the clear rain cover, maintaining communication flow.

Where it is less suitable

• Indoor office environments - standard tablets or paperless systems are more efficient and do not require physical rain shields.
• Heavy industrial use - if the device is dropped frequently, the hinged lamp plates and cloth mechanism may require more robust casing than typical field electronics.
• Long-duration static tasks - for hours of continuous writing, a desk setup with fixed lighting is more ergonomic than a handheld board.