Current-Activated Connector Locking to Prevent Plug Disconnection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical connectors in aircraft systems face reliability issues due to increasing currents and voltages, posing safety risks and requiring enhanced interconnection systems to ensure secure and reliable connections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with an electromechanical locking system using a polarized ferromagnetic locking element and a spring return mechanism, which moves between locking and non-locking positions in response to current intensity, preventing disconnection of the connection plug from the socket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical locking system is used to prevent disconnection, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with a simple magnetic field-based locking mechanism. The magnetic field, generated by current flow through the connector, automatically engages a magnetic locking element to prevent disconnection, eliminating the need for complex mechanical springs, cam mechanisms, or interlocking geometries while maintaining high connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical force to electromagnetic field strength. By utilizing the current already flowing through the connector to generate a magnetic field, the system dynamically adjusts the locking force based on operational conditions without requiring additional mechanical components or complex control mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking system is added to prevent disconnection during operation, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic locking system where the magnetic locking force is automatically activated when current flows through the connector and deactivates when current stops. This allows the connector to be easily connected and disconnected when not in use, while automatically securing itself during operation, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system is self-activating based on the presence of current flow. The magnetic field is generated automatically by the operational current without requiring any additional control mechanisms, sensors, or user actions. The system serves itself by using its own operational parameters to enable the locking function.
3Reliability
If the locking element is made of ferromagnetic material responsive to current, then locking reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the electrical current and the locking action. The ferromagnetic locking element responds to the magnetic field generated by current flow, providing a buffer that tolerates variations in manufacturing precision. The magnetic field distribution naturally compensates for minor positioning variations in the locking element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes composite functionality combining electrical conductivity, ferromagnetism, and elastic properties in a single integrated element. This multi-functional material approach reduces the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components, thereby reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining locking reliability.
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 secure and reliable electrical connections by preventing disconnection during operation, reducing wear and preventing electric arcs, enhancing safety and conductivity, and making it difficult to disconnect the connector even under load.
Implementation Method 1
when an electric current whose intensity is higher than a predetermined threshold flows though the connection plug and the socket of the electrical connector, the magnetic field induced causes the magnetized locking element to move
Implementation Method 2
a return element, in which the locking element is a stud whose shape is at least partially complementary to the shape of the recess, attached to the return element, the return element is a spring
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector provided with at least one male or female plug configured to be connected to a socket. The electrical connector includes at least one locking system provided with a polarized ferromagnetic locking element and with a return element, which are configured to have a first shape corresponding to a locking configuration of the electrical connector that is at least partially complementary to a shape of the connection plug or of the socket when an intensity of a current flowing through the connection plug is higher than or equal to a predetermined value, and a second shape corresponding to a non-locking configuration of the electrical connector when the intensity of the current flowing through the connection plug is lower than the predetermined value, so as to electromechanically lock the connection plug in the socket of the connector.