Breakaway Power Connector With Lower-Force Lateral Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard breakaway connectors require axial disengagement, which can damage the plug and socket and pose a risk of electrical shock when lateral disengagement occurs, limiting their use in applications where rapid relocation is necessary without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway power connector designed for both axial and lateral disengagement, featuring a panel mount connector and plug connector with specific force requirements, allowing for safe and damage-free disconnection with either type of force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard breakaway connector is designed for axial disengagement, then the connector can be disconnected along the axial direction, but lateral disengagement will damage the plug and socket and create a danger of exposed conductors and electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with a pivotable plug that can rotate about a pivot axis. When lateral force is applied, the plug pivots around the axis rather than forcing lateral separation, allowing the connector to disengage safely in either axial or lateral directions without damaging the plug or socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the disengagement mechanism. By introducing a pivot axis and allowing the plug to rotate, the system transforms a single-direction (axial) disengagement into a multi-directional system where lateral forces are converted into rotational motion, enabling safe disengagement from multiple directions.
2Reliability
If a breakaway connector requires high axial force for disengagement, then the connector maintains strong connection stability, but it restricts the ability to rapidly relocate when connected to mobile objects
Solution Approach 1:
The connector applies different force requirements to different disengagement directions. The design allows lateral disengagement with lower force (enabling rapid relocation) while maintaining sufficient axial retention (ensuring connection stability during normal use). This directional differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and rapid relocation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A breakaway power connector. The breakaway power connector includes a panel mount connector and a plug connector configured to mate with the panel mount connector. The plug connector and the panel mount connector are configured such that when the plug connector is fully mated with the panel mount connector i) the minimum lateral force needed to laterally unmate the plug connector from the panel mount connector is X pounds (lbs) and ii) the minimum axial force needed to axially unmate the plug connector from the panel mount connector is Y pounds (lbs), and X < Y.