Field Device Cover with Clamping Element Prevents Plug Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field devices with covers do not provide optimal protection against undesired interactions between electrical connectors and users, leading to potential spark formation and short circuits due to inadequate securing of plugs.
Innovation Solution
A field device design featuring an electronic module with a cover and clamping element that securely fastens to the module, preventing the electrical plug from detaching and ensuring compliance with safety standards, even in restricted spaces, through a combination of screw-like and hook-like fastening mechanisms, along with a positioning aid and transparent regions for visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is added to protect electrical connectors, then protection against contact and arc prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides protection against contact, prevents arcing through proper spacing, secures electrical plugs via clamping elements, and maintains safety distances between inputs and outputs. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive protection without adding multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously serves as a protective barrier, a structural support for clamping elements, and a spacing maintainer between electrical terminals. This universality allows the device to meet multiple safety requirements (DIN EN 60529 and IEC60079) with a single component rather than multiple separate elements.
2Reliability
If a clamping element is added to prevent plug detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is integrated into the cover structure rather than being a separate component. The cover includes the clamping element as part of its design, allowing it to secure electrical plugs while maintaining its protective function. This integration resolves the contradiction by combining protection and securing functions in one element.
3Reliability
If electrical connectors are separated by safety distance, then arc prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover serves as a spacing maintainer between electrical terminals while providing other protective functions. By designing the cover to inherently maintain the required safety distances between inputs and outputs, the patent avoids the need for additional spacing components or complex positioning mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between arc prevention and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A field device includes an electronic module with a first electrical terminal, a first electrical plug with a cable clamp for receiving a cable core, wherein the first electrical plug is adapted to be detachably connected to the first electrical terminal of the electronic module, and a cover with a clamping element. A fastening device fastens the cover to the electronic module, with the cover being designed in a way that when the cover is fastened to the electronic module by the fastening device and the first electrical plug is connected to the first electrical terminal of the electronic module, the cover, together with the electronic module, forms a first chamber and encloses the first electrical plug in the first chamber, wherein the clamping element is arranged in a way that the clamping element prevents the first electrical plug from detaching from the first electrical terminal of the electronic module.