Connector Assembly Detection Circuit for Arc-Free Plugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector assemblies experience arcing due to sudden changes in current during plug-in and plug-out operations, leading to damage and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A connector assembly with a detection circuit and element that delays power-on during plug-in and speeds up power-off during plug-out, using electronic or magnetic detection methods to manage power paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the connector is immediately powered-on after plugging action, then the electrical connection is established quickly, but arc occurs due to sudden current change
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element detects the plugging action in advance before full electrical connection is established. The control circuit receives the detection signal and delays the power-on command until the connectors are properly mated, preventing arc occurrence at the moment of connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element provides real-time feedback about the plugging/unplugging status to the control circuit. Based on this feedback, the control circuit intelligently controls the power supply timing, enabling delayed power-on after plugging and early power-off before unplugging, thus avoiding arcs caused by sudden current changes.
2Speed
If the connector is immediately powered-off during unplugging action, then the disconnection is achieved quickly, but arc occurs due to sudden current interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The detection element detects the unplugging action in advance before complete disconnection occurs. The control circuit receives the detection signal and issues the power-off command提前, reducing the current to zero before the contacts fully separate, thereby preventing arc formation during disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element continuously monitors the connector status and provides feedback to the control circuit. When unplugging is detected, the control circuit responds by early power-off, using the feedback mechanism to coordinate the power supply control with the mechanical connection state, thus avoiding arcs during unplugging.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a detection circuit is added to control power timing, then arc is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is extracted as a separate detection element that can be integrated into the connector structure. This modular approach allows the detection circuit to operate independently and provide signals to the control circuit, managing complexity through functional separation while achieving arc reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection element serves multiple functions: it detects both plugging and unplugging actions, provides timing signals for power control, and can be integrated into the existing connector structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving arc suppression.
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
Reduces arcing and associated damage, providing protection during insertion and extraction, while minimizing replacement costs by stabilizing power transitions.
Implementation Method 1
The detection element is used to detect whether a plugging action or an unplugging action is performed between the first connector and the second connector
Implementation Method 2
using electronic or magnetic detection methods to manage power paths
Implementation Method 3
the metal surfaces of the contacts cause electrons to escape due to primary electron emission (thermal ion emission, field emission or photoelectric emission)
Implementation Method 4
the metal surfaces of the contacts cause electrons to escape due to primary electron emission (thermal ion emission, field emission or photoelectric emission)
Implementation Method 5
the metal surfaces of the contacts cause electrons to escape due to primary electron emission (thermal ion emission, field emission or photoelectric emission)
Implementation Method 6
the gas atoms or molecules in the gap will be ionized (impact ionization, photoionization and thermal ionization) to produce electrons and ions
Implementation Method 7
the gas atoms or molecules in the gap will be ionized (impact ionization, photoionization and thermal ionization) to produce electrons and ions
Implementation Method 8
the gas atoms or molecules in the gap will be ionized (impact ionization, photoionization and thermal ionization) to produce electrons and ions
Data Source
AI summary
A connector assembly includes a first connector and a second connector. The first connector includes a detection circuit and a detection element. The detection circuit is electrically connected to the detection element. The second connector is capable of mating with the first connector. The detection element is used to detect whether a plugging action or an unplugging action is performed between the first connector and the second connector. If the detection element detects that the plugging action is performed, the first connector is powered-on through the detection circuit later than a plugging moment. If the detection element detects that the unplugging action is performed, the first connector is powered-off through the detection circuit earlier than an unplugging moment. The connector assembly of the present disclosure can reduce arcing.