Cam-Locking Electrical Connector for High-Power Multipole Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power electrical connection systems with large connectors are difficult to plug and unplug, especially in multipole configurations and adverse weather conditions, due to their size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The design features a plug and socket system with a pin and receptacle configuration that allows for easy insertion and secure locking, utilizing cams and connectors with rotational symmetry to establish and disrupt electrical contact safely, along with a locking mechanism involving spuds, grooves, and springs to maintain the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large connectors are used to sustain high power, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into multiple independent contacts (multipole configuration), allowing the connection process to be simplified through rotational symmetry while maintaining high power transmission capability across multiple segmented pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces asymmetric locking mechanisms (spuds, grooves, and springs) that create a specific rotational position for secure connection, making the plugging process intuitive and foolproof while maintaining ease of operation despite large connector size
2Power
If multipole connectors are used to handle high power, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational symmetry design allows the same basic contact structure to be replicated multiple times around a central axis, creating a multipole connector where each pole performs the same function but collectively handles high power through their combined capacity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple locking mechanisms (spuds, grooves, springs) are combined into an integrated locking system that operates simultaneously across all contacts, simplifying the overall structure by unifying the locking function rather than providing separate locking mechanisms for each contact
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
The system enables easy and secure connection and disconnection of high-power electrical systems, even in challenging conditions, ensuring safe operation and user-friendly handling.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism involving spuds, grooves, and springs to maintain the connection
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
In an embodiment, it is provided an electrical connection system comprising: a plug comprising at least one pin having a cam; and a socket comprising: at least one receptacle configured to receive the pin, and at least one connector configured to contact the cam of the pin to establish an electrical connection between the pin and the receptacle, the pin and the receptacle being configured for mutual motion between at least an inserted configuration and a plugged configuration, wherein in the inserted configuration, the pin is configured to be displaced by a mutual displacement within the receptacle, and in the plugged configuration, the pin and the receptacle are configured to be mutually moved by a mutual movement different from the mutual displacement, to establish or disrupt contact between the cam of the pin and the connector.