Connection Adapter for Electrical Plug Earthing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for earthing metal protective hoses in installation technology are complex and require indirect or cumbersome connections, making the process difficult and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A connection adapter with a line contact and a hose contact that securely connects to the earthing line and protective hose, featuring a ring segment and contact tabs that provide a friction-locking mechanism and centrifugal spring pressure for improved electrical contact and assembly safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If indirect earthing connection methods are used with comb-like or fork-like earthing contacts, then the earthing function is achieved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential earthing function from complex comb-like or fork-like contact structures and implements it through a simple ring segment that directly contacts the protective hose. This eliminates unnecessary structural elements while maintaining the earthing function, thereby reducing device complexity without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protruding comb or fork contacts that extend outward to make contact, the patent inverts the approach by using a ring segment that contacts the protective hose from the inside or directly against its surface. This inverted contact method simplifies the structure while ensuring reliable electrical connection.
2Ease of operation
If direct screw connection of earthing line to protective hose is used, then installation is simplified, but safety and connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection adapter is segmented into distinct functional components: a ring segment for electrical contact with the protective hose, a line contact with contact lug for connection to the earthing line, and a housing that integrates these elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring both ease of installation and connection safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter serves as an intermediary device between the protective hose and the earthing line. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies installation while ensuring reliable electrical connection through its specifically designed contact elements, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation simplicity and connection safety.
3Reliability
If complex earthing contact structures are used, then electrical contact is ensured, but assembly time and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact function and the mechanical connection function into a single integrated connection adapter. The ring segment provides electrical contact with the protective hose while the housing simultaneously secures the earthing line connection, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing assembly time while ensuring reliable electrical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection adapter is designed to be self-installing through its integrated structure. The ring segment automatically contacts the protective hose when the adapter is positioned, and the housing provides its own securing mechanism for the earthing line, eliminating the need for complex assembly procedures or additional tools, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining electrical contact reliability.
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
Simplifies the earthing process, enhances safety by ensuring a secure and reliable connection between the earthing line and protective hose, and facilitates easier assembly and use.
Implementation Method 1
The line contact, for connection to the earthing line, has at least one ring segment, which rests on the outer sheath of the earthing line
Implementation Method 2
The hose contact in turn has a contact tab, which in turn rests on the inner sheath of the protective hose
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, a connection adapter is provided for connecting an earthing line to a metal protective hose, where the adapter includes an electrically conductive cylindrical body having an end face with an opening therein for passage of electrical conductors and the earthing line therethrough, and a receiving shoe connected to the end face, which is configured to seat the earthing line. The cylindrical body includes a plurality of inwardly facing tabs and is sized to fit over the metal protective hose. The tabs are configured to contact and slide over the metal protective hose so as to ensure an electrical connection is present between the metal protective hose and the earthing line.