Connector Phase Selection Chamber Bridge Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-phase electrical installations in large spaces, such as industrial buildings, require complex protective measures for phase selection and sealing at coupling points, which complicates the process and reduces operational reliability.

Innovation Solution

A connector with a phase selection chamber and bridge contact system that allows for simple phase selection within a standard connecting element, minimizing the need for separate protection and ensuring error-free, accessible phase selection, even in difficult-to-reach areas, by using a grid arrangement of phase contacts and a bridge contact with three tongues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If phase selection elements are inserted separately in the through-wiring to enable phase reconfiguration, then phase selection capability is improved, but device complexity and sealing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase selection capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of electrical installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the phase selection element with the connector housing, integrating two previously separate functions (phase selection and connection) into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate phase selection devices and reduces the number of coupling points requiring sealing, directly resolving the technical contradiction between adaptability and device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection, mechanical coupling, and phase selection. The phase selection chamber with bridge contacts allows the same connector to reconfigure phase connections (L1, L2, L3) while maintaining its primary connection function, enabling one component to serve multiple purposes and reduce overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If separate sealing measures are implemented at each coupling point to protect against moisture and gas, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against moisture and gasVSAvoidcomplexity of sealing measures
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the phase selection element within the connector housing, the patent reduces the number of separate coupling points in the cable run. Fewer coupling points mean fewer locations requiring sealing, thus maintaining protection against moisture and gas while reducing the complexity of sealing measures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The phase selection function is extracted and incorporated into the existing connector structure rather than requiring separate external phase selection devices. This eliminates additional coupling points that would otherwise require sealing, reducing the overall sealing requirements while maintaining protective functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3843223B1Connector with phase selection element
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 BJB GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3843223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3843223B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3843223B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector for connecting sections of a multi-phase through-wiring system, comprising a plug housing which has a plug extension and a socket housing which forms a receiving space for the plug extension of the plug housing, with chambers in the plug extension which serve to receive contacts, and is characterized in that the plug extension has an additional phase selection chamber in which phase contacts L1, L2, L3 and at least one supply contact L are arranged and in which a phase selection element is received.