Connector Element Layout for Creeping Current Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems face challenges in minimizing signal distortions due to creeping currents and require a connector system that allows for easy replacement of sensors while ensuring correct pairing and maintaining signal integrity, especially in applications like pH measurement where analog signals are sensitive.
Innovation Solution
A connector element with varying insulation distances between contact members, where at least one contact member has a significantly higher insulation distance than others, combined with a contact member carrier made of high-insulation-resistant plastic, and a design that includes collars and recesses to reduce creeping currents and facilitate secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connector size is increased to provide larger insulation distances between contact members, then signal integrity is improved by reducing creeping currents, but the device dimensions and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different insulation distances for different contact members based on their specific signal requirements. Critical analog signal contact members have larger insulation distances to minimize creeping current effects, while other contact members can have smaller distances, allowing the connector to remain compact overall while protecting sensitive signals where needed.
2Ease of operation
If the connector design allows for easy sensor replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of incorrect pairing between sensor and sensor head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry in the contact member arrangement and geometric coding features on the connector housing. The contact members are positioned asymmetrically with specific insulation patterns, and coding elements are arranged in non-symmetric configurations. This ensures that only sensors with matching asymmetric codes can be correctly paired and connected, preventing wrong pairing while maintaining easy replaceability.
3Reliability
If the insulation distance for all contact members is increased uniformly, then signal integrity for all contacts is improved, but the connector complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than uniformly increasing insulation distances for all contact members, the patent applies local quality by selectively providing enhanced insulation distances only for contact members carrying sensitive analog measurement signals. Other contact members can maintain standard insulation distances, simplifying the overall design and manufacturing while still protecting critical signals.
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 effectively reduces signal interference from creeping currents, allows for compact and reliable connections, and enables easy sensor replacement without risking incorrect pairing, maintaining signal integrity across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
yield a sufficient electric resistance between the contact members transmitting relatively weak analog measurement signals from the sensor, so as to minimize distortions of the measurement signals due to creeping currents on a connector interface between contact members
Data Source
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AI summary
A connector element (11, 21) for a connector system comprises at least three contact members (111a, 111b, 111c, 211a, 211b, 211c) for making electric contact and a contact member carrier (112, 212). The contact member carrier has a front face (126, 226). The contact members extend through the contact member carrier from the front face to a back face on a back side of the contact member carrier and project from the back side. Each contact member has a minimum insulation distance when measured in a view onto the front face. The minimum insulation distance is measured as a minimum clearance between the outer boundaries of said contact member and the closest neighboring contact member. At least one of the contact members (111c, 211c) has a minimum insulation distance (d) which exceeds the minimum insulation distance of another contact member (111a, 111b, 211a, 211b).