Connector Voltage Indicators for Safe Electrical Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The mining industry faces challenges in safely disconnecting energized electrical connectors due to the risk of injury or death, as conventional methods require de-energizing the system and can be rendered inoperable by nuisance trips, necessitating improved personnel safety measures.
Innovation Solution
The development of a device with a driving circuit parasitically coupled to the primary conductor, featuring multiple indicators that provide visual indications of the connector's energized state using illumination and occlusion technologies, such as LEDs and LCDs, to safely indicate when it is safe to disconnect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional test point methods are used to detect voltage, then personnel can determine if the connector is energized, but personnel must carry and maintain additional equipment which increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the voltage detection function with the connector itself by integrating a test point and indicator directly into the connector housing. This eliminates the need for separate detection equipment, as the connector provides its own voltage indication capability through the integrated test point and visual indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector performs self-testing and self-indication of its energized state through the integrated test point and indicator. The system serves itself by providing voltage detection capability without requiring external equipment, allowing personnel to determine safety status using only the connector's own components.
2Reliability
If special ground contacts with relays are used to control disconnection, then the electrical power can be disconnected before the primary voltage line, but the system can be rendered inoperable by nuisance trips that reduce production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides preliminary visual indication of the energized state through indicators that show whether voltage is present before disconnection attempts. This preliminary information allows personnel to assess safety conditions and proceed with disconnection only when indicators confirm the connector is de-energized, preventing unsafe operations without triggering nuisance trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The visual indicators provide continuous feedback about the voltage state of the connector. This feedback mechanism allows personnel to monitor the energized status in real-time and make informed decisions about when it is safe to disconnect, eliminating the need for complex relay-controlled disconnection systems that are susceptible to nuisance trips.
3Reliability
If multiple indication technologies are used to indicate energized state, then the visual indication reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs different indication technologies (such as LED and LCD indicators) that operate in complementary ways to provide redundant voltage detection. Each indicator type has different failure modes and operating characteristics, so using multiple types locally within the same connector provides reliability through diversity while keeping each individual indicator component relatively simple.
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 a reliable visual indication of the connector's energized state, reducing the risk of unsafe disconnection and minimizing production disruptions by ensuring personnel safety and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a driving circuit that is parasitically coupled to a primary conductor in the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
an indicator that includes an indication technology, such as a light emitting device, configured to provide a visual indication
Implementation Method 3
occlusion technology, such as LEDs and LCDs
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are devices for electrical connectors to provide indication that the electrical connectors are not energized. Devices include a first indicator that includes a first indication technology that is configured to provide a first visual indication corresponding to a voltage of a primary conductor and a second indicator that includes a second indication technology that is different from the first indication technology and that is configured to provide a second visual indication corresponding to the voltage of the primary conductor.