Distributor Block Contact Guard for Cable Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributor blocks in prior art expose internal conductive components to voltage when input cables with smaller diameters are connected, posing a safety risk as objects or fingers can penetrate the opening, compromising user safety.
Innovation Solution
A distributor block with an electrically isolating, adjustable, and pivotable contact guard that can be manually moved or fixed using a latch arrangement to adjust the diameter of the input opening, ensuring secure coverage and protection against small objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the input opening diameter is increased to accommodate cables with different diameters, then the flexibility and adaptability of the distributor block is improved, but the safety is worsened as the opening exposes the terminal block and allows penetration by objects or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The contact guard is designed as a movable component that can be adjusted between different positions. It features an articulated structure allowing it to move between a retracted position (when no cable is present) and an extended position (when a cable is connected), dynamically adapting the opening size to match the cable diameter while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The contact guard acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the exposed terminal block. This movable barrier selectively blocks the opening when needed, mediating between the requirement for cable access and the need to prevent object penetration and ensure safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed protective cover is used to close the input opening, then the safety is improved by preventing object penetration, but the adaptability is worsened as cables with different diameters cannot be connected
Solution Approach 1:
The contact guard transitions from a static protective cover concept to a dynamic adjustable barrier. It can be positioned to either block the opening for safety or retract to allow cable insertion, providing both protection and adaptability through its movable nature
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented into a separate movable contact guard component rather than being integrated into a fixed housing structure. This allows the protection mechanism to be independently controlled and positioned according to cable presence and diameter requirements
3Manufacturing precision
If the contact guard is made adjustable and pivotable with a latch arrangement, then the safety and precision are improved by accurately matching the opening diameter to the cable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arrangement is designed to automatically engage with the contact guard at predetermined positions, providing self-locking functionality. The guard's own movement triggers the latching mechanism, reducing the need for additional actuation systems and minimizing overall complexity while maintaining precision positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The latch arrangement serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that translates the contact guard's linear or rotational movement into stable positional locking. This intermediate latching function enables precise positioning without requiring complex control systems or multiple actuators
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a distributor block for connecting several electric connection cables starting from an electric inlet cable with an electric isolating housing as well as an electrically conducting terminal block, which is arranged in the housing, with at least one inlet opening being arranged in the housing for the inlet cable, with the distributor block showing an electrically isolating, articulate contact guard, which at least partially can cover the inlet opening.