Electric Connection Device with Removable Unlocking Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric connection devices with bayonet-type locking mechanisms and secondary locking mechanisms either require authorized personnel to carry a specific unlocking tool, risking loss or forgetfulness, or fail to prevent unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

An electric connection device with a bayonet-type locking mechanism and a secondary locking mechanism featuring retractable locking means that can be unlocked using a removable tool, allowing authorized technicians to connect and disconnect without the need for a separate tool and preventing unauthorized access by allowing the tool to be either connected or removed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a secondary locking mechanism with a fixed unlocking tool is integrated into the electric connection device, then authorized personnel can easily unlock the device without carrying separate tools, but unauthorized people can also more easily gain access by obtaining the integrated tool

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unlocking for authorized personnelVSAvoidunauthorized access risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking tool is designed to be removable from the electric connection device, transitioning from a static integrated state to a dynamic removable state. This allows the tool to be attached when needed for authorized operations and removed when not in use, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for authorized personnel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking function is segmented into a separate removable tool rather than being permanently integrated into the device structure. This segmentation allows the tool to be independently controlled - authorized personnel have the tool for unlocking when needed, while the separated design prevents unauthorized persons from easily accessing the unlocking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a separate unlocking tool is required for the secondary locking mechanism, then unauthorized access is prevented, but authorized personnel may lose or forget the tool making operation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveunauthorized access preventionVSAvoidease of unlocking for authorized personnel
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking tool is merged with the electric connection device through a removable connection, combining the benefits of having the tool readily available (when attached) with the security of separation (when removed). The tool can be attached to the device body or stored in a dedicated receptacle, ensuring authorized personnel always have access to the unlocking function without the tool being permanently fixed or completely separate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A receptacle structure serves as an intermediary between the unlocking tool and the device body. The receptacle allows the tool to be securely stored when not in use and easily attached when needed, mediating between the need for security (tool not always accessible) and ease of operation (tool readily available when needed).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3633800B1Electric connection device
Publication Date: 2021.05.05 VALENTINI SRL
  • EP3633800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3633800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electric connection device is described, comprising: a first electric connection element (10, 10a) connectable to a second electric connection element (12, 12a); a bayonet-type locking and unlocking mechanism configured for coupling and uncoupling the first connection element (10, 10a) and the second connection element (12, 12a) through a mutual rotation; a secondary safety locking mechanism, configured for preventing the rotation of the first connection element (10, 10a) and of the second connection element (12, 12a) one with respect to another and the consequent separation of the two elements (10, 10a, 12, 12a) comprising retractable locking means (22, 24) configured to be unlocked by a removable unlocking tool (32), the removable unlocking tool (32) being connectable to the electric connection device through removable connecting means (40) configured to be removably fastened to the electric connection device.