Connector Control Terminal Switch Mechanism for Arc Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector units for high-voltage direct current (DC) power supply in electronic apparatuses, such as servers, pose safety risks due to high voltage levels, and there is a need for a solution that ensures safe electrical connections and power management to prevent human exposure and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit comprising a male and female connector with a control plug terminal and slide switch mechanism, utilizing a helical torsion coil spring for quick extension and retraction, and relay contact pairs to control power flow, ensuring safe electrical connections and reducing arc generation during power disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If high-voltage direct current power supply is used to reduce power loss, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to high voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
A control terminal with switch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the high-voltage power supply and the electronic apparatus. This control terminal includes a plug that can be inserted into or removed from a jack, thereby controlling the connection state of the power supply. The switch mechanism acts as a mediator that allows safe control of high-voltage power transmission without direct human exposure to live terminals.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a control terminal with switch mechanism, power terminals, and corresponding jacks. The control terminal can be independently operated to establish or disconnect power flow before physical unplugging occurs. This segmentation allows the power control function to be separated from the physical connection function, enabling safer operation.
2Device complexity
If conventional connector units are used for high-voltage power supply, then power transmission is simplified, but arc generation occurs during connection or disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The switch mechanism is designed to automatically disconnect the power terminals before the physical unplugging action is completed. When the user begins to pull the connector, the control terminal's switch mechanism first opens the electrical circuit, separating the power flow path. This preliminary disconnection of the power circuit prevents arc generation during the subsequent physical separation of the connector.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If control terminal with switch mechanism is added to ensure safe power control, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control terminal is merged with the power terminal assembly into a single integrated connector unit. The control terminal's plug and jack are positioned adjacent to the power terminals, and the switch mechanism is integrated within the same housing structure. This merging allows the control function to be added without requiring a completely separate control system, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 solution provides safe and efficient high-voltage DC power supply to electronic apparatuses by controlling power flow and reducing arc generation, thus enhancing safety and preventing equipment damage from improper connection or disconnection.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a helical torsion coil spring for quick extension and retraction
Implementation Method 2
the return button is configured to cause the elastic member to deform via the control plug terminal by being pressed with the control plug terminal at the first position, so that the control plug terminal is moved to the second position with a restoring force of the elastic member
Implementation Method 3
relay contact pairs to control power flow
Data Source
AI summary
A connector unit includes a male connector including a control plug terminal, a slide switch for moving the control plug terminal between a first position and a second position in a first direction, a return button protruding from the opening of the slide switch in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, an urging part to urge the return button in the second direction, and an elastic member; and a female connector including a control jack terminal including a control switch. The control plug terminal is moved to the first position to connect the contacts of the control switch. The return button is pressed with the control plug terminal at the first position to cause the elastic member to deform via the control plug terminal, so that the control plug terminal is moved to the second position with the restoring force of the elastic member.