Electrical Connection with Continuous Fault and Insulation Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection devices lack the ability to continuously test and monitor safety-relevant electrical properties of consumers and installations during operation, leading to potential health hazards and fire risks due to undetected faults.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated test equipment that performs continuous electrical testing of safety-relevant properties, including insulation resistance, touch current, and arc fault detection, ensuring immediate fault detection and enhanced safety without interrupting operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sockets and extension cords are used to connect electrical appliances, then electrical power transmission is achieved, but safety monitoring and fault detection capabilities are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety monitoringVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a test device with electrical connection components (socket, extension cord, or plug housing) to create an integrated safety monitoring system. The test device is merged with the electrical connection device, allowing safety-relevant electrical properties to be tested during ongoing operation without requiring separate testing equipment or interrupting appliance operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electrical power transmission like traditional sockets, but also incorporates testing capabilities for protective conductors, insulation resistance, touch current, and arc fault detection. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both connection and safety monitoring purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electrical tests are performed using traditional methods, then safety properties can be tested, but operation of the electrical appliance must be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety testingVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The test device enables continuous safety monitoring during the ongoing, intended operation of the electrical appliance. The testing function operates simultaneously with the power transmission function, allowing safety-relevant electrical properties to be tested without interrupting the appliance's operation. Faults are detected immediately and independently of any test intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If comprehensive safety testing is implemented, then fault detection capability is improved, but user operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault detectionVSAvoiduser operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test device automatically performs safety testing of the electrical appliance during operation without requiring user intervention or specialized knowledge. The device independently tests protective conductors, insulation resistance, touch current, and detects arc faults, providing continuous safety monitoring that simplifies operation for end users while maintaining comprehensive safety checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4644917A1Device for electrically connecting an electrical consumer to an electrical installation
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SAFETYTEST GMBH
  • EP4644917A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4644917A1 patent drawing
  • EP4644917A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device 200 for electrically connecting an electrical load to an electrical installation, in particular a stationary electrical installation of a building or a portable electrical installation, for example a portable electrical power supply such as a mobile power generator, for the intended operation of the electrical load. The device includes at least one test device 16, which is designed for electrical testing of safety-relevant electrical properties of the electrical load.