Electrical Connector with Integrated Battery Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection devices for electric and hybrid electric vehicles are bulky, difficult to install, and complicate the electrical circuit, making them costly and challenging to replace when malfunctioning.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical connection device with a male and female connector system that allows simultaneous power supply to main and secondary consumers when connected, and isolates the energy source when disconnected, featuring a simple structure for easy integration into the electrical circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated lockout connector is used to isolate the battery, then the battery can be effectively locked out, but the connector becomes bulky and difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and lockout function into a single integrated connector structure. The female connector includes terminals that simultaneously serve as power supply terminals and lockout terminals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lockout connectors and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining isolation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed with multi-functionality, where the same connector structure performs both power supply and battery lockout operations. The terminals are configured to work in dual modes: providing power when connected and isolating the battery when disconnected, thereby simplifying the electrical circuit without compromising safety
2Reliability
If a dedicated lockout connector is installed in difficult-to-access places, then the battery can be isolated, but replacement becomes challenging when malfunctioning
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection system is segmented into modular connector units (male and female connectors with terminals) that can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular design allows the connector to be serviced separately without requiring disassembly of the entire battery system, improving maintainability while maintaining isolation functionality
3Reliability
If a dedicated lockout connector is used, then the battery can be locked out, but it complicates the electrical circuit and increases installation cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lockout function with the existing power supply circuit by configuring the female connector terminals to serve dual purposes. This integration eliminates the need for additional dedicated lockout connectors and associated wiring, thereby simplifying the electrical circuit while maintaining reliable battery isolation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector terminals are designed with universal functionality to perform both power supply and lockout operations within the same electrical circuit framework, reducing the overall complexity of the electrical system while ensuring reliable battery isolation when needed
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electronic device (I, II) comprising: a male connector (2; 4) including at least two male pins (21, 22; 41, 42); a female connector (1; 3) including at least two first terminals (11, 13; 31, 33) capable of being connected to a power source (7) and at least two second terminals (12, 14; 32, 34) capable of being connected to at least one secondary power consumer (5,6); according to the invention, the male connector (2; 4) is capable of being connected to a primary power consumer (P). In parallel, each first terminal (11, 13; 31, 33) and each second terminal (12, 14; 32; 34) of the female connector (1; 3) is connected to a recess engaging, when the male connector (2; 4) is plugged into the female connector (1; 3), with at least one male pin (21, 22; 41, 42) of the male connector (2; 4) so as to supply the primary consumer (P) and the secondary consumer (S) with electricity via the power source (7).