Modular Conveyor Power Connectors With Sealed Branch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power distribution systems in conveyor facilities lack adaptability and resistance to environmental factors such as heat, dust, and liquid spills, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety issues due to exposure and potential misconnections.
Innovation Solution
An environmentally sealed and adaptable low voltage DC electrical distribution system with directional connectors that allow only compatible ends to be coupled, featuring snap-together retainers and movable covers to protect electrical terminals, enabling flexible configuration and reduced risk of misconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical power distribution systems are used in conveyor facilities, then power can be supplied to conveyors, but the system is exposed to environmental factors such as heat, dust, and liquid spills, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sealed connector housings and protective covers that enclose electrical terminals and connections, creating a protective barrier against environmental contaminants such as dust, heat, and liquid spills while allowing the electrical system to function reliably in harsh conveyor facility conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical distribution system is divided into modular connector sections with individual protective enclosures for each connection point, allowing selective protection of vulnerable electrical components while maintaining overall system functionality and enabling easy replacement or maintenance of individual segments
2Reliability
If conventional electrical connectors are used, then power distribution is achieved, but inadvertent disconnections and misconnections can occur, reducing safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connector designs where male and female connectors have non-matching geometries that allow only compatible connectors to mate properly, preventing misconnections between incompatible components and ensuring that power and data connections are established correctly
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates preliminary protective features such as aligned guide pins, interlocking lugs, and positioned contact elements that prevent incorrect insertion before electrical contact is made, thereby preventing misconnections and inadvertent disconnections before they can occur
3Ease of operation
If electrical terminals are exposed for easy access, then connection ease is improved, but exposure to contaminants increases, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates movable protective covers that can be opened or removed to expose electrical terminals for connection operations, then closed to protect the terminals from environmental contaminants, dynamically transitioning between protected and accessible states based on operational needs
Data Source
AI summary
A modular electrical distribution system, such as for powering an electrical conveyor, includes a conductor section, a movable cover, a branch coupler, and a power supply cord. The conductor section has a pair of opposing end connectors that are compatible with one another so that two or more conductor sections can be attached end-to-end. The conductor section further includes an intermediate connector disposed between opposing end connectors for receiving a plug of the branch coupler. A movable cover can be moved over the intermediate connector to prevent intrusion of contaminants and preclude access to live electrical contacts. The plug can engage the intermediate connector when the cover is displaced away from the intermediate connector.