Fuse Plug-In Connector Handle With Integrated Marking and Indicator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug-in connectors for fuse elements face challenges in accommodating a handle part, markings, and light indicators within limited geometrical constraints, making them difficult to maneuver and visually informative.

Innovation Solution

A plug-in connector design featuring a handle part with an actuating portion and linking portion that allows for easy insertion and removal, incorporates a marking element on the actuating surface without additional space, and includes a compartment for a light indicator, enabling visibility and functionality without increasing size, with a breakable linking portion for reduced length and symmetrical mounting options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the plug-in connector is made small to fit limited spaces, then the size is reduced, but the handle part becomes difficult to maneuver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of plug-in connectorVSAvoidmaneuverability of handle part
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The handle part extends in a direction transverse to the insertion axis, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the handle to provide sufficient maneuverability while keeping the main body of the plug-in connector compact and suitable for limited spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If additional elements such as markings or light indicators are added to the plug-in connector, then the information visibility is improved, but the geometrical constraints become more difficult to deal with

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of markings and indicatorsVSAvoidgeometrical constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The marking element is integrated directly onto the actuating surface of the handle part, merging the marking function with the existing handle structure. This eliminates the need for separate marking components and simplifies the overall geometry while maintaining information visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating surface of the handle part serves multiple functions: it provides the gripping surface for manual operation and simultaneously serves as the substrate for the marking element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the geometrical design.

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

3Loss of information

If a light indicator is added to the plug-in connector, then the status visibility is improved, but the space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility of light indicatorVSAvoidspace requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light indicator is positioned within the compartment that accommodates the fuse element, nesting the indicator within the existing structural space. This allows the light indicator to be visible through the front face while utilizing internal space that would otherwise be empty or unused.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3758152B1Plug-in connector with a handle part
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 TYCO ELECTRONICS FRANCE
  • EP3758152B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3758152B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3758152B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Plug-in connector (1) configured to cooperate with a terminal block, the plug-in connector (1) comprising a body (5) including a cooperation assembly (7) configured to mechanically secure the plug-in connector (1) on the terminal block (3) in a mounted position, the body (5) having a compartment adapted for accommodating a fuse element; two plug contacts received within the compartment, the two plug contacts being each configured to be connected to a corresponding terminal of the fuse element; a handle part (15) provided with an actuating portion (17) and a linking portion (19), the linking portion (19) being attached to the body (5) and extending according to an linking axis (21) that is coincident to or parallel to an insertion axis (23) of a pin (25) of the cooperation assembly (7), the actuating portion (17) presenting an actuating surface (27) extending transversally to the insertion axis (23) and being configured to cooperate with a marking element that is disposed along the actuating surface (27).