Electrical Connection Mount Locking With Two-Lever Electromagnet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection mount systems are costly, bulky, and prone to reliability issues due to oversized electromagnets, which deteriorate over time.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connection mount system with a controlled locking mechanism comprising two levers and an electromagnet, where the levers are designed to manage large forces with a modest-sized electromagnet, incorporating a circuit breaker to optimize power usage and reduce bulk, and a manual unlocking mechanism to prevent unnecessary loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an oversized electromagnet is used to ensure acceptable reliability, then reliability is improved, but cost and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two levers: a first lever that directly engages the complementary mount for locking/unlocking, and a second lever that acts as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the first lever. This segmentation allows the electromagnet to only need to move the second lever a small distance, rather than directly moving the first lever the full locking distance, thereby reducing the electromagnet size while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The second lever serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates the small movement of the electromagnet into the larger movement required for locking/unlocking the first lever. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the electromagnet's limited stroke, enabling a smaller, less costly electromagnet to achieve the same locking reliability as a larger direct-actuation system
2Reliability
If an oversized electromagnet is used to ensure acceptable reliability, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two levers: a first lever that directly engages the complementary mount for locking/unlocking, and a second lever that acts as an intermediary between the electromagnet and the first lever. This segmentation allows the electromagnet to only need to move the second lever a small distance, rather than directly moving the first lever the full locking distance, thereby reducing the electromagnet size while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The second lever serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates the small movement of the electromagnet into the larger movement required for locking/unlocking the first lever. This intermediary mechanism amplifies the electromagnet's limited stroke, enabling a smaller, less costly electromagnet to achieve the same locking reliability as a larger direct-actuation system
3Reliability
If continuous power supply to electromagnet is maintained, then locking reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker implements periodic action by cycling the power supply to the electromagnet: it closes the circuit to provide power when the complementary mount is connected and the electromagnet needs to maintain locking, and opens the circuit to stop power when the mount is disconnected or during manual unlocking. This periodic power supply maintains locking reliability during operation while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle or manual operation periods
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 is more cost-effective, compact, and reliable, with reduced electromagnet size and power consumption, ensuring durable and efficient operation, particularly in vehicle applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet, the first lever forming a latch which is 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
AI summary
An electrical connection mount system has an electrical connection mount and a controlled locking mechanism configured to lock/unlock a complementary electrical connection mount connected with the electrical connection mount. The locking mechanism includes at least one first lever and one second lever, and an electromagnet. The first lever forms a latch which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position. The second lever is mechanically coupled to the electromagnet and cooperates with the first lever. Actuation of the electromagnet allows moving the first lever from the locking position to the unlocking position.