Clamshell Banana Plug Retainer for Secure High-Voltage Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Banana plugs for high voltage applications lack a secure latching mechanism, leading to potential disconnection issues and safety concerns due to loose fits and wear of spring-type connections.
Innovation Solution
A clamshell apparatus with threaded segments and a mating flange is used to securely retain a banana plug in a socket, providing a latching mechanism through threaded fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded banana plug connections are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to loose fits and wear leading to potential disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two separate clamshell segments that can be independently assembled onto the banana plug body, allowing the retention mechanism to be added without replacing the entire connector assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer transitions from a static spring-loaded connection to a dynamic threaded fastening system that can be engaged and disengaged, providing secure retention while maintaining operational flexibility
2Reliability
If threaded fastening mechanism is added to banana plug, then reliability is improved through secure latching, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer serves multiple functions: it provides threaded fastening for secure retention, features mating pegs and slots for precise alignment, and includes integrated threading that mates with the banana plug body, combining several functions into a single component
Solution Approach 2:
The two clamshell segments nest together around the banana plug body, with each segment containing threaded portions that mate with corresponding threads on the plug, creating a compact nested structure
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for securely retaining a high voltage (e.g., greater than 1000 volts) banana plug can include a clamshell apparatus. The clamshell apparatus can include a first segment that includes a one or more mating pegs and a first threaded portion and a second segment that includes one or more mating slots and a second threaded portion. The first segment and the second segment can be configured to be assembled via a press-fit of the first segment to the second segment over a banana plug. In addition, when assembled, the first threaded portion and the second threaded portion are aligned to form a threaded fastener that is configured to retain the banana plug in a banana socket when engaged with a corresponding mating flange via the threaded fastener.