Electrical Connector Interlock for Powered Disconnection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector systems lack a reliable mechanism to prevent improper disconnection, which can lead to safety hazards and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
The electrical connector assembly incorporates a movable actuator or solenoid that engages a locking mechanism only when the connectors are properly connected and the power source is activated, securing them against disconnection until the power is de-activated, using a combination of mechanical latches and electrical circuits to ensure safe connection and disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent improper disconnection, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical contact function and the locking function into a single integrated device. The electrical contact device includes both the electrical contacts for power transmission and the actuator for engagement/disengagement, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contact device performs dual functions: it transmits electrical power and simultaneously provides the locking mechanism through its own actuator. The device locks itself when engaged and unlocks itself when disengaged, eliminating the need for external locking components and simplifying the overall system architecture
2Stability of the object's composition
If an actuator is used to secure connectors against disconnection, then connection stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to be movable between a first position (engaged) and a second position (disengaged), allowing the locking mechanism to dynamically adapt to the operational state. The actuator automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on whether the electrical contact device is engaged or disengaged, providing both stability during operation and ease of disconnection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the interlock mechanism that detects whether the electrical contact device is properly engaged. The actuator responds to this feedback by automatically engaging the locking mechanism when connected and disengaging it when disconnected, ensuring connection stability during operation while allowing easy disconnection when the feedback indicates the device is no longer connected
3Reliability
If verification of power source disconnection is required before engagement, then safety is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlock mechanism is designed to verify the disconnection state of the power source before allowing engagement of the electrical contact device. This preliminary verification action ensures that the device cannot be engaged while power is still connected, preventing safety hazards. The mechanism automatically performs this check and only permits engagement when the verification is complete, eliminating the need for manual verification steps and reducing overall operation time
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
This solution effectively prevents accidental disconnection and ensures safe operation by engaging the locking mechanism only when the connectors are correctly aligned and powered, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of injury or equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid including a plunger movable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector assembly includes a first electrical contact device and a second electrical contact device. The first electrical contact device includes at least one first electrical contact and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position. The second electrical contact device includes at least one second electrical contact device and an interlock feature to engage the actuator when the actuator is in the first position. The actuator is in the first position when the first electrical contact is in electrical communication with a power source, and the actuator is in the second position when the electrical communication between the first electrical contact and the power source is disconnected. When the actuator is in the first position and the second electrical contact engage the first electrical contact, the interlock feature engages the actuator, thereby securing the first electrical contact device and the second electrical contact device against disconnection.