Foil Connection Casing with Movable Block for Electrical Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing casings for connecting electrical lines printed on foils to a voltage supply are cumbersome and require a high number of power cables, making the connection process inefficient and prone to electrical losses.

Innovation Solution

A casing with a movable block and springs that presses the foil against a wall to establish an electrical connection between the printed lines and terminal pads, using a voltage transformer to facilitate a simpler and more efficient connection, allowing for easier insertion and removal of the foil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional connection methods are used for electrical lines printed on foil, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the number of power cables increases and connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of power cablesVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple electrical connections into a single integrated casing structure. The casing houses terminal pads that directly contact the foil's electrical lines, eliminating the need for separate power cables. The block integrates both mechanical retention and electrical connection functions, merging what would traditionally require multiple separate components into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The casing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, retains the foil through the movable block, establishes electrical connections via terminal pads, and enables easy insertion/removal through the opening. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity.

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

2Reliability

If secure connection is established between foil and terminal pads, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but connection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The block is designed to move between a first position (where it presses the foil against the second wall to establish electrical connection) and a second position (where it releases the foil for removal). This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be securely established when needed while enabling easy release and removal, simplifying the overall operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal pads are pre-positioned on the casing's outer side, and the block is pre-configured to press the foil against the second wall. When the foil is inserted through the opening, the connection is automatically established without requiring additional manual steps, making the connection process both reliable and simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If foil is retained securely in the casing, then connection stability is improved, but foil removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidfoil removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable block provides dynamic retention: in the first position, it securely presses the foil against the second wall to ensure stable connection; in the second position, it releases the foil to allow easy removal. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction between secure retention and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If multiple power cables are used for connection, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but energy losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical energy loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple electrical connections into a single integrated casing structure with direct contact between terminal pads and foil lines, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate power cables. This reduces the total length of conductors and minimizes resistance, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution reduces the number of power cables, minimizes electrical losses, and provides a secure and easy-to-use mechanism for connecting and disconnecting the foil, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the electrical connection.

Implementation Method 1

The casing also comprises a multiplicity of springs. A respective end of each spring of the multiplicity of springs may be attached to the first wall of the space. Each of the multiplicity of springs may be configured to press the first block (away) (from the first wall of the space) into the first position (along the third wall).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10573986B2Casing for connecting electrical lines printed on a foil to a voltage supply
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
  • US10573986B2 patent drawing
  • US10573986B2 patent drawing
  • US10573986B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A casing for connecting electrical lines printed on a foil to a voltage supply. The casing comprises a space, terminal pads and a block. The casing has an opening between a first wall of the space and a first outer side of the casing. The terminal pads are at least partially arranged on a second outer side of the casing. The block is configured to move between a first position and a second position, both within the space. The block is configured to press the foil against a second wall of the space when the block is in the first position. The block is configured to establish an electrical connection between the electrical lines printed on the foil and the terminal pads when the block is in the first position. The space is configured to receive the foil through the opening when the block is in the second position.