Bayonet Locking Module for Safe Electrical Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for safe electrical separation of motor starters from terminal modules do not provide adequate security, as warnings can be overlooked and mechanical unlocking may not ensure voltage removal, leading to potential injury or equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A module with a mechanical and electrical locking system that allows three contact statuses: complete separation, parking position for maintenance, and operational position, utilizing a bayonet mechanism and sliding groove to ensure safe electrical shutdown through a rotational movement converted into a translational movement, facilitated by a rotary knob and locking pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a warning label or manual instruction is used to prevent removal under load, then the device structure remains simple, but the safety reliability is insufficient because warnings can be overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is activated in advance to prevent dangerous operations before they can occur. The mechanical lock must be engaged before electrical contacts are made, ensuring that removal under load cannot happen accidentally or through oversight of warnings.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary locking mechanism is introduced between the operator and the electrical connection. This mediator (the bayonet lock with locking pin) physically prevents the module from being removed while energized, translating the abstract warning into a concrete mechanical barrier.
2Reliability
If a pivoting movement mechanism is used to interrupt supply voltage, then electrical separation can be achieved, but the space requirements and mechanical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional pivoting movement mechanism is replaced with a bayonet locking mechanism that uses rotational insertion followed by linear locking. This substitution reduces the space required for the mechanical movement while achieving the same electrical separation function through a more compact engagement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement process is segmented into distinct phases: rotational insertion of the module, engagement of the locking pin in the grooved channel, and final locking. This segmentation allows each phase to occur in a compact sequence, reducing the overall space required compared to a single large pivoting motion.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical locking is made simple for ease of operation, then the device is easier to use, but the reliability of locking engagement may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet locking mechanism is designed to be self-locking through the engagement of the locking pin with the grooved channel. Once the module is rotated into position, the locking pin automatically engages with the channel geometry, providing reliable locking without requiring additional manual steps or complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet mechanism uses curved or rotational geometry to provide both ease of operation and reliable locking. The rotational insertion motion is intuitive and easy to perform, while the resulting angular engagement of the locking pin in the grooved channel creates a mechanically robust locked state that is difficult to accidentally disengage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a module with a mechanical and electrically lock for a terminal module. The invnetion is characterized in that mutually engaged braking devices arranged on the module and the terminal module. The braking device is designed in that three diffeent contact states between the module and the terminal module can be switched.