Electrical Connection Mount With Two-Lever Electromagnetic Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection socket systems are expensive, have a large footprint, and face reliability issues due to oversized electromagnets that are prone to damage over time.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection socket system with a two-lever locking mechanism and a controlled electromagnet, where the first lever is actuated by the electromagnet to unlock, and a breaker to manage electrical supply to the electromagnet, reducing the size and power requirements of the electromagnet while maintaining reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oversized electromagnet is used to ensure acceptable reliability, then the locking mechanism becomes more reliable, but the device becomes expensive and occupies significant space
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate levers: a first lever that directly engages with the electrical connection base, and a second lever that is actuated by the electromagnet. This segmentation allows the electromagnet to be smaller since it only needs to move the second lever, which then mechanically amplifies the force through the lever system to achieve reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The second lever acts as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the first lever. The electromagnet actuates the second lever, which then cooperates with the first lever to transfer and amplify the unlocking force, reducing the direct burden on the electromagnet size and power requirements.
2Reliability
If an oversized electromagnet is used to ensure acceptable reliability, then the locking mechanism becomes more reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking function into two levers, the electromagnet can be significantly downsized, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while the mechanical lever system provides the necessary force multiplication at minimal cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces a purely large electromagnet mechanical system with a hybrid system where a small electromagnet controls a mechanical lever linkage, substituting expensive electromagnetic force with inexpensive mechanical force multiplication.
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous electrical supply is provided to the electromagnet, then the locking mechanism remains engaged, but the electromagnet suffers unnecessary stress and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet operates periodically rather than continuously - it is activated only momentarily to actuate the second lever and trigger the unlocking sequence, after which the breaker interrupts power. This periodic operation eliminates continuous stress on the electromagnet while maintaining stable locking through the mechanical lever engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The breaker provides feedback-based control by monitoring the lever position and automatically interrupting electrical supply to the electromagnet once the unlocking action is initiated, preventing unnecessary continuous operation and stress on the electromagnet.
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 achieves a compact, cost-effective, and reliable electrical connection by minimizing electromagnet size and power usage, reducing manufacturing costs and preventing unnecessary stress on the electromagnet, thus enhancing system durability.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, the first lever forming a latch movable between a locking position and an unlocking position while the second lever is mechanically coupled to the electromagnet and cooperates with the first lever
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electrical connection mount system (10) comprising an electrical connection mount (12) and a controlled locking mechanism (14) configured to lock/unlock a complementary electrical connection mount (40) which is connected to the electrical connection mount (12), the locking mechanism (14) comprising at least one first lever (20) and a second lever (22), and an electromagnet (24), the first lever (20) forming a latch which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, while the second lever (22) is mechanically coupled to the electromagnet (24) and cooperates with the first lever (20), whereby actuation of the electromagnet (24) allows the first lever (20) to be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.