Cable Panel Mount for High-Power Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power electrical connectors pose a handling hazard and require a mount that assists in mating while minimizing space usage, especially in applications with space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A mount with a bezel and flange configuration that supports and covers mated power connectors, featuring openings for connector housings and an aperture for secure mating, with optional latches for secure engagement, attached to a panel or support structure to prevent human access to power contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-power connectors are used to supply high currents, then power transmission capability is improved, but handling safety deteriorates due to electrical hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mount as an intermediary component between the high-power connectors and the panel. This mount provides a safe interface for connector installation and operation, allowing the high-power connectors to function while protecting handlers from electrical hazards through proper isolation and support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hazardous power contacts from direct accessibility by enclosing them within the mount structure. The power contacts are taken out from the exposed state and placed within a protected environment defined by the mount, eliminating the direct handling hazard while preserving electrical functionality.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mount is added to assist in connector mating, then handling safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mount is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the connectors, ensures proper alignment during mating, protects the power contacts from exposure, and facilitates safe handling. By combining these functions into a single component, the patent improves safety without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the support structure, alignment features, and protective enclosure into a single integrated mount component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving multiple safety and functional objectives, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a mount with coverage structure is used to make connectors inaccessible, then handling safety is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the power connectors are received within the mount, and the power contacts are enclosed within the connector housings which are themselves received within the mount. This nesting arrangement provides coverage and inaccessibility while minimizing the overall space footprint by utilizing vertical and internal space efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mount extends in multiple dimensions from the panel surface, creating a three-dimensional protective enclosure. By utilizing the vertical dimension and internal volume rather than only horizontal expansion, the patent achieves coverage and protection while minimizing the footprint area on the panel.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector system configured to be attached to a support structure is disclosed. The electrical connector system may include a mount capable of being attached to the support structure. The mount may include a bezel and a flange. The bezel may define a first opening, a second opening and aperture. The flange may be integrally formed with and extending outwardly from the bezel. The first opening may be capable of receiving a first power connector and the second opening is capable of receiving a second power connector. The second power connector is capable of extending into the aperture of the bezel such that the first and second power connectors mate.