Battery Connector Lockout Enclosure for Unauthorized Reconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery connector systems lack effective safeguards against unintentional or unauthorized reconnection, despite terminal covers preventing accidental discharge.
Innovation Solution
A battery connector lockout device with an enclosure body and a peg that engages the connector head, combined with a locking mechanism, to securely retain the connector in a closed position, preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized reconnection, then safety against unauthorized access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is implemented locally at critical points rather than throughout the entire device. The peg is positioned specifically to block the connector withdrawal path, and the locking mechanism is located only where needed to secure the enclosure body. This localized approach provides effective unauthorized access prevention while minimizing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to prevent connector insertion, the design inverts the approach by allowing insertion but preventing removal. The peg and locking mechanism are configured to block the withdrawal path of the connector from the wire access opening, rather than blocking insertion. This inverted approach simplifies the locking mechanism while effectively preventing unauthorized reconnection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure body is designed to fit various connector styles, then adaptability to different connector configurations is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure body is designed with universal features that accommodate multiple connector styles and configurations. The wire access opening can be positioned and sized to work with various connector types, and the peg can be configured to engage different connector head designs. This universality allows a single lockout device design to serve multiple functions across different battery connector configurations without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockout device incorporates adjustable or configurable elements that can adapt to different connector configurations. The peg may be positioned at different locations or oriented at different angles depending on the connector type, and the wire access opening can be configured to accommodate various wire and connector arrangements. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to work with diverse connector styles while maintaining reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery connector lockout device is configured to lockout a battery connector including a connector head connected to a wire. The device includes an enclosure body having a first base wall and a second base wall opposite one another that are selectively movable in relative to one another between an open and closed positions. A cavity is defined by the enclosure body and dimensioned to receive the connector head and a wire access opening extends through the enclosure body into the cavity. A peg projects into the cavity from the enclosure body. A locking mechanism is configured to be selectively locked to hold the first base wall and the second base wall in the closed position thereby retaining the connector head in the cavity (that is, locking out the battery connector in the lockout device so that the connector head cannot be used).