Fuse-Jumper Coupling for Compact Multi-Conductor Short-Circuit Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for providing short-circuit protection in industrial automation systems, such as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) or Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs), require multiple fused terminal blocks for each signal or power wire, increasing assembly burden and footprint, and lack indicators to detect blown fuses, making it difficult for users to troubleshoot.

Innovation Solution

A coupling device, like DaedaCoupler, provides single-device short-circuit protection for multiple conductors in a multi-conductor cable, adaptable to standard M12 connectors, with indicators to alert users of blown fuses, and allows easy substitution with jumpers for no-protection scenarios, reducing the need for multiple terminal blocks and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple fused terminal blocks are used for each signal or power wire, then short-circuit protection is provided, but the assembly burden and footprint increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort-circuit protectionVSAvoidassembly burden

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fused terminal blocks into a single integrated coupling device that can protect multiple conductors simultaneously. The coupling device includes a housing with multiple fuse holders arranged within, allowing multiple circuits to be protected through one unified component rather than requiring separate terminal blocks for each wire.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is designed to provide universal short-circuit protection across multiple conductors through a single device. It can accommodate different conductor configurations and provides both protection and indication functions in one unit, reducing the number of components needed in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple fused terminal blocks are used for each signal or power wire, then short-circuit protection is provided, but the footprint of the installed system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort-circuit protectionVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device employs a nested structure where multiple fuse holders are arranged within a single housing. The fuse holders are positioned concentrically or in a compact arrangement within the housing, allowing multiple protection functions to be nested within one compact unit, significantly reducing the overall footprint compared to distributed terminal blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If existing systems are inspected frequently to detect blown fuses, then blown fuses can be detected, but user burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblown fuse detectionVSAvoiduser burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device incorporates self-indicating functionality where each fuse holder includes an indicator mechanism that automatically shows when a fuse is blown. The indicators are positioned to be visible from the exterior of the housing, allowing the system to inform the user of its status without requiring manual inspection or intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device uses color-coded indicators to communicate the status of each fuse. The indicators may change color or display different colors (such as green for normal, red for blown) to provide immediate visual feedback about the operational status of each protected circuit, making detection simple and intuitive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Reliability

If four fused terminal blocks are required for each M12 cable, then short-circuit protection is provided, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshort-circuit protectionVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling device is pre-configured with multiple fuse holders and internal wiring arrangements during manufacturing. The device arrives ready-to-install with all necessary components positioned and connected, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly of multiple separate terminal blocks and their interconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11901676B2Coupling device for short-circuit protection

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 HARTING STIFTUNG & CO KG

AI summary

A coupling device is provided having a first connector with a first primary pin and a second primary pin. The coupling device also defines a first recess and a second recess. The first recess is configured to receive a first component selected from the group consisting of a fuse or a jumper, and the second recess is configured to receive a second component selected from the group consisting of a fuse or a jumper. The first recess is closed when the first component is received in the first recess. When the first recess is closed, the first component forms part of a first electrical circuit with the first primary pin. Additionally, the second recess is closed when the second component is received in the second recess. When the second recess is closed, the second component forms part of a second electrical circuit with the second primary pin.