Barrier-Protected Connector Assembly for High-Voltage Terminal Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connectors lack safety features to prevent direct contact with charged metal terminals, especially when output voltage exceeds safety regulations, posing a risk of electric shock.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring first and second barriers that cover the connecting terminals when not in use and allow contact only when assembled, using guiding and aligning portions to align and rotate the barriers for terminal connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connector does not comprise a protective device, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the user safety is poor due to direct contact with charged metal connecting terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary component between the user and the charged metal connecting terminals. This cover physically isolates the hazardous electrical components from direct contact, thereby eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the main connector body with metal terminals, and a separate protective cover. This segmentation allows the protective function to be added as an independent element without complicating the core connector structure, enabling easy manufacture while improving safety.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If barriers are added to cover the connecting terminals, then the user safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective barriers are merged with the connector housing structure itself rather than being separate components. The housing incorporates integrated protective features such as recessed terminal areas and cover structures that form part of the original connector body, thereby providing safety enhancement without increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical insulation, and protective coverage for the metal terminals. By making the housing multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate protective components that would increase complexity, while still achieving the safety goal of covering exposed terminals.
3Power
If the output voltage is increased to meet market demand, then the battery capacity and electronic product performance are improved, but the safety risk increases when voltage exceeds 42V
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed to prevent contact with high-voltage terminals before any harmful effect can occur. By providing preliminary physical protection against accidental contact, the system neutralizes the increased electric shock risk associated with higher output voltages exceeding 42V.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective housing and cover structures act as intermediary barriers between the high-voltage electrical components and the user. This intermediary layer provides electrical insulation and physical protection, allowing the system to operate at higher voltages while maintaining safety by preventing direct contact with the hazardous high-voltage terminals.
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector (1) is provided. The connector (1) of the present disclosure includes a first barrier (23) and a second barrier (33). The plurality of first connecting terminals (22) of the socket connecting element (2) are disposed between the first barrier (23) and the bottom (213) of the first main body (21). The plurality of second connecting terminals (32) of the plug connecting element (3) are disposed between the second barrier (33) and the bottom (313) of the second main body (31). When the first main body (21) is rotated and moved through the first path (315) so as to drive the first barrier (23) and the second barrier (33) to rotate and move, the second connecting terminal (32) penetrates through the second hole (332) and the first hole (232) so as to contact with the first connecting terminal (22).