Electrical Docking Station Interlock for Safe Generator Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disconnecting an electrical connector from an energized electrical docking station can cause dangerous arcing, shorting out the system or electrocuting the operator, and traditional docking stations complicate access to utility wires, requiring extra equipment for stability.
Innovation Solution
An electrical docking station with access-controlled compartments and side-by-side positioning of utility and generator connectors, featuring a cabinet with a locking mechanism that ensures safe access and prevents accidental disconnection during energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical docking stations place utility wires behind generator connectors, then the electrical system can be compact, but access to utility wires becomes complicated and requires extra equipment for stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions utility wires and generator connectors from a front-to-back arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement within the electrical docking station. This spatial reconfiguration in a different dimension allows both components to be accessed independently without requiring the station to be mounted on a wall or requiring additional support equipment, thereby simplifying access and reducing configuration complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrical connectors are disconnected from an energized docking station, then the system can be reconfigured, but dangerous arcing can occur causing shorting or electrocution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an interlocking mechanism that prevents the electrical docking station from being energized unless the electrical connector is properly connected and locked in place. This preliminary safety action ensures that the connector is securely attached before power is applied, eliminating the risk of arcing during connection or disconnection operations while still allowing system reconfiguration when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the connector and the power supply system. It mediates the interaction by physically preventing power delivery until proper connection is established, thereby protecting against harmful arcing while maintaining the ability to safely reconfigure the system when the connector is properly removed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the docking station is designed to be wall-mounted for stability, then the structure can remain stable, but access to components becomes difficult and requires additional support equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redesigns the electrical docking station with a side-by-side configuration of utility wires and generator connectors that can be accessed from the front or sides of the unit. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the station to be freestanding without requiring wall mounting, maintaining structural stability while dramatically improving component accessibility and eliminating the need for additional support equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and apparatuses for access-controlled electrical docking stations that automatically switch power to an electrical system between generator power and utility power are disclosed herein. An illustrative electrical docking station can include a cabinet that houses a circuit breaker, a generator interface to connect generators to the electrical docking station, an Automatic Transfer Switch, and a power supply. The power supply can supply converted DC power and protection to different accessories for the electrical docking station including an alarm, a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism can be configured to lock a door to the generator connectors in a closed position when the ATS is energized by a generator and to not lock the door when the door is in an open position. In some such circumstances, the alarm can shine green or provide an audible alarm and shine red respectively.