Electrified Guide Connector With Retractable Pin Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified guides for three-phase power supply lack standardization in groove depth and configuration, leading to difficulties in correctly inserting connection devices, which can result in incorrect electrical connections and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a mechanical contact device that can be adapted to different groove depths and orientations, using the bottom surface of the groove as a reference for insertion, and featuring a retractable pin and slider mechanism to ensure correct alignment and insertion direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a connection device is designed to fit a specific groove depth, then it ensures correct insertion depth, but it cannot adapt to guides with different groove depths
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device incorporates a retractable pin that can extend and retract along the longitudinal axis. During insertion, the pin extends to abut against the bottom surface of the groove, ensuring correct insertion depth. Once inserted, the pin retracts to allow the connection device to adapt to different groove depths. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both precise insertion depth control and adaptability to various groove configurations.
2Reliability
If the connection device is completely inserted into the guide, then it ensures secure connection, but the front surface of the guide cannot be used as a reference for insertion level
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable pin serves as an intermediary reference element. When the connection device is being inserted, the pin extends and provides a visible reference that abuts against the bottom surface of the groove. This allows the installer to determine correct insertion level without relying on the front surface of the guide, while still enabling complete insertion for secure connection.
3Reliability
If electrical conductors are made non-interchangeable to prevent incorrect connections, then connection safety is improved, but insertion direction becomes critical and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The connection device employs asymmetric features including the positioning of electrical contacts and the configuration of the retractable pin mechanism. These asymmetric elements ensure that the connection device can only be inserted in the correct orientation, with the pin abutting against the bottom surface of the groove. This physical asymmetry prevents incorrect insertion direction, making the system foolproof while maintaining connection safety.
Data Source
AI summary
The connection device (100) is used for an electrified guide (200) lighting system; the electrified guide (200) is provided with a longitudinal groove (210) and the connection device (100) is adapted to be completely inserted into the electrified guide (200); the connection device (100) comprises at least one mechanical contact device (110, 120) adapted to abut against a bottom surface (212) of said longitudinal groove (210) when the connection device (100) is inserted into the electrified guide (200); the mechanical contact device (110, 120) can be removed or moved so that the connection device (100) can be adapted to electrified guides having longitudinal grooves of different depth; the mechanical contact device (110, 21) is shaped and/or located so that it abuts differently depending on the sense of insertion of the connection device into the electrified guide (10-1, 10-3) so that to avoid insertions in the wrong sense.