Explosion-proof plug-in connector with outer sleeve for safe separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing explosion-proof plug connectors require complex handling procedures for separation, which can be hazardous and require specialized expertise, while maintaining the need for reliable explosion protection.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an outer sleeve with a releasable connection to the housing and an insert, forming two gaps for flameproof and increased safety, allowing for simple connection and separation without interrupting voltage, using a screw sleeve with an internal thread and a metal ring for enhanced protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the plug part and socket part are separated by completely releasing the housing, then the electrical contact is interrupted, but sparks may occur during separation in hazardous areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion protectionVSAvoidhandling during separation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into functionally independent parts: the outer sleeve that provides explosion protection and the inner contact elements that can be separated. The plug part and socket part are segmented such that electrical contact interruption occurs before complete housing separation, preventing sparks during the critical separation phase while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the electrical contact is interrupted before housing separation, then explosion protection is maintained, but complex handling procedures are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexplosion protectionVSAvoidhandling procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is designed so that electrical contact is preliminarily interrupted by the relative movement of plug and socket parts before the housings are fully separated. This preliminary action automatically prevents spark generation during separation without requiring additional操作步骤 or specialized handling procedures, simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If the outer sleeve is fixed to the housing, then structural stability is improved, but separation handling becomes complex and hazardous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidseparation handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the outer sleeve and housing transitions from a fixed static connection to a dynamic relative movement connection. The plug and socket parts are designed to move relative to each other within the outer sleeve during connection and separation, allowing the electrical contacts to be made or broken before the housings are fully connected or separated, thereby maintaining structural stability while simplifying separation handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the connector allows complete housing separation, then ease of connection is improved, but spark generation during separation becomes possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidspark generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The design converts the potentially harmful spark generation during separation into a beneficial controlled sequence: electrical contact is interrupted first through relative movement of contact elements, then housing separation follows. This sequence transformation eliminates the harmful effect while maintaining the benefit of simple connection and separation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP1925060B1Explosion-proof plug-in connector
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 EATON PROTECTION SYST IP GMBH & CO
  • EP1925060B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

Disclosed is an explosion-proof plug-in connector (1) comprising a plug part (2) and a socket part (3). The plug part (2) encompasses a plug housing (4) with at least two plug pins (6) located in a plug insert (5) while the socket part (3) features a socket housing (7) with matching socket contacts (9) located in a socket insert (8). In order to simplify such an explosion-proof plug-in connector so as to make the same easier to handle especially when disconnecting the plug part and the socket part while maintaining the anti-explosive properties, one housing (4, 7) is provided with an outer sleeve (10) that can be removably connected to the other housing (7, 4). A first gap (11) is embodied between the outer sleeve (10) and the other housing (7, 4) while a second gap (12) is configured between the outer sleeve (10) and the associated insert (4, 8) already before electrically contacting the plug pins (6) and socket contacts (9) in order to establish type of protection d', flame-proof enclosure, as well as type of protectione', increased safety.