Connector Switch Mechanism for Preventing Unintended Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector units for electrical apparatuses, particularly those using high-voltage direct-current power, lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintended power supply and ensure safe electrical connections, leading to potential power loss and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A connector unit with a switch member and controlling mechanism that prevents the switch from moving to the connecting position unless the apparatus-side connector is properly mated, using a movable member and button mechanism to ensure safe and intended power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a connector unit is designed without a controlling mechanism to prevent switch movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential unintended power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling mechanism performs preliminary action by preventing the switch member from moving to the connecting position unless the apparatus-side connector is properly mated. The movable member is positioned in advance to block the path of movement, ensuring that power supply connection can only occur after proper mating, thus preventing unintended power supply while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member acts as an intermediary between the switch member and the apparatus-side connector. It physically blocks the path of movement of the switch member when not mated, and retracts to allow movement when mated. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable control without adding complex electronic systems, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability
2Reliability
If electronic controls are used to control the switch member, then the reliability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling mechanism is designed to be passively actuated by the mating action itself. When the apparatus-side connector is mated, the button is pushed in automatically, which causes the movable member to retract and allows the switch member to move to the connecting position. The system uses the mechanical energy of the mating action to control the switch, eliminating the need for external power sources or electronic controls, thus achieving reliable control with zero additional power consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical controlling mechanism. The movable member, button, and path of movement blocking system are all mechanical components that interact through physical contact and motion. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electronics, sensors, or power consumption while maintaining reliable control of the switch member based on mating status
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 ensures safe and efficient power supply by preventing unintended connections and reducing power loss, while also reducing power consumption by using mechanical components instead of electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
a movable member configured to be linearly movable between a first position in which a movement of the switch member is prevented and a second position in which the switch member is movable, and to be urged toward the first position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3A
AI summary
A connector unit includes a first connector configured to be connected to an electrical apparatus, the first connector including multiple power receiving terminals for receiving a supply of electric power; and a second connector configured to be connected to a direct-current power supply and mated with the first connector. The second connector includes multiple power feeding terminals corresponding to the power receiving terminals of the first connector and a switch member configured to be moved between a connecting position for electrically connecting the power feeding terminals and the direct-current power supply and a breaking position for breaking the connection of the power feeding terminals and the direct-current power supply.