Bayonet Electrical Connector With Auxiliary Circuit Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric connection devices with bayonet-type and secondary locking mechanisms do not allow for automatic control of auxiliary circuits, preventing voltaic arcs and enabling connection sequencing in high-voltage applications, which is crucial for safe and coordinated operation of multiple devices on the same plant or circuit.
Innovation Solution
An electric connection device featuring a bayonet-type locking mechanism and a secondary pin-type locking mechanism, equipped with retractable locking means and elastic elements, that automatically actuates electric contacting means such as switches or microswitches upon coupling, allowing for controlling an auxiliary circuit and preventing accidental disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bayonet-type locking mechanism with secondary pin-type locking is used to prevent accidental disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but the device cannot automatically control auxiliary circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking mechanism and auxiliary circuit control into a single integrated system. The actuating means are mechanically linked to the locking mechanism such that when the bayonet-type and pin-type locking occur, the actuating means automatically actuate the contacting means to control the auxiliary circuit. This merging allows the device to maintain high connection reliability while gaining automatic auxiliary circuit control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by designing the actuating means to be positioned and configured in advance within the connection device. The contacting means are pre-positioned to engage with the actuating means before connection occurs. When locking happens, the pre-positioned actuating means automatically actuate the contacting means, enabling automatic control of auxiliary circuits without requiring additional external intervention.
2Device complexity
If manual control of auxiliary circuits is used, then device complexity is reduced, but voltaic arcs cannot be prevented and connection under load is not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-positioning the contacting means and actuating means within the connection device before connection occurs. The contacting means are designed to automatically engage with the actuating means during the locking process, enabling automatic control of auxiliary circuits to prevent voltaic arcs and enable safe connection under load without adding significant complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device performs self-service by automatically controlling its own auxiliary circuits through the integrated actuating and contacting means. When the locking mechanism engages, the actuating means automatically actuate the contacting means, which in turn automatically control the auxiliary circuits to prevent harmful effects like voltaic arcs, without requiring external manual intervention or complex external control systems.
3Ease of operation
If multiple connection devices operate on the same plant without automatic sequencing, then ease of operation is improved, but coordinated operation and safety cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by designing the contacting means to provide automatic control signals to auxiliary circuits based on the locking state. When the bayonet-type and pin-type locking mechanisms engage, the actuating means automatically actuate the contacting means, which provide feedback signals to control auxiliary circuits. This feedback mechanism ensures coordinated operation and safety for multiple devices on the same plant while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
Enables safe and automatic control of auxiliary circuits, preventing voltaic arcs and allowing for connection under load, while ensuring secure locking and sequencing of multiple devices, enhancing safety and operational coordination in high-voltage environments.
Implementation Method 1
said locking means being retractable and comprising a pin inserted into a housing obtained in the second connecting element and an elastic element, for example a spring, contiguous to the pin and also inserted into the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric connection device is described, comprising: a first electric connection element (10), a second electric connection element (12), a locking and unlocking mechanism configured to couple and uncouple the first (10) and the second (12) connecting elements following the rotation of one with respect to the other, a secondary safety locking mechanism, configured to prevent the rotation of the first (10) and of the second (12) connecting elements (10) one with respect to the other and the consequent separation of the two elements (10, 12), and further comprising electric contacting means (25) associated with the connecting elements (10,12) and configured for controlling an auxiliary circuit connected thereto, and actuating means (26, 34) configured to actuate the electric contacting means (25).