Protective Earthing Contact Layout for Low-Height Repeated Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective earthing contacts in power supply connectors are prone to damage with repeated installations and require a larger overall height, which is a disadvantage in applications like the lighting industry where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
The protective earthing contact design features upper regions that widen elastically to guide the carrier element between contact-making regions, with the protective earth contact element arranged at the same height as the latching region, reducing the risk of damage and allowing for a force-locked connection without increasing the overall height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective earthing contact is designed with a conventional structure, then it provides basic protective earthing function, but the overall height increases and the contact element is prone to damage with repeated installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the protective earth contact element horizontally at the same level as the latching region rather than extending it vertically. This dimensional rearrangement allows the contact element to be guided past the carrier element without contact during installation, reducing wear and damage while maintaining a compact overall height that fits within space-constrained applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the latching function and the protective earth contact function into distinct spatial zones. The latching region clamps the carrier element between contact-making regions, while the protective earth contact element is positioned at the same height to make contact with the carrier element's contact region. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without interfering with the other, improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the protective earthing contact uses a conventional design, then it can be installed, but repeated installations damage the tinned contact surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the protective earth contact element at the same height as the latching region, the patent creates a horizontal guidance path that allows the carrier element to pass by without contacting the protective earth contact element during installation. This eliminates abrasive contact that would damage tinned surfaces during repeated installations, maintaining contact surface integrity while enabling easy reinstallation.
3Length of stationary object
If the overall height is reduced for space-efficient installation, then it fits better in limited spaces, but the protective earthing contact may not function reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compact vertical dimensions by rearranging the protective earth contact element to operate horizontally at the same level as the latching region. This dimensional reorganization maintains all necessary functional clearances and contact regions within a reduced overall height, ensuring reliable protective earthing function while fitting space-constrained applications like luminaire built-in parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the vertical space requirements of the latching region and protective earth contact element by positioning them at the same height. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional vertical clearance that would be required if these features were stacked vertically, achieving compact dimensions without sacrificing functional reliability.
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
This design minimizes wear on the protective earth contact element and ensures a secure, space-efficient installation by allowing the contact element to be guided past the carrier element without contact during assembly, while maintaining a stable connection.
Implementation Method 1
The term widening can be understood to be an elastic deformation of the side elements, in particular the upper regions of the side elements. An elastic deformation occurs under the action of force on the side elements, wherein when the acting force disappears, the side elements return to their original shape without any deformation remaining.
Implementation Method 2
at least one side element has a protective earth contact element for making contact with the carrier element in an electrically conducting manner
Data Source
AI summary
A protective earthing contact for connecting a protective earth line with an electrically conductive carrier element in an the electrically conducting manner, wherein the protective earthing contact has a base portion, wherein two side elements project from the base portion and a respective side element has an upper region, wherein the upper regions have a latching region for clamping the protective earthing contact onto the carrier element and wherein at least one side element has a protective earth contact element for making contact to the carrier element in an electrically conducting manner. Each of the upper regions has a contact-making region, wherein the latching region and the protective earth contact element are substantially arranged at the same height in relation to the base portion.