HV Component Assembly Interlock via Receptacle Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high voltage component assemblies, the need for an interlock mechanism for each high voltage component increases the number of components required, as existing solutions require an interlock mechanism for each component to prevent access and ensure safety during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A high voltage component assembly design where a second high voltage component is used to cut off the high voltage supply when detached, allowing the lid to be opened only after the second component is removed, eliminating the need for an interlock mechanism on the first high voltage component.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an interlock mechanism is provided for each high voltage component to prevent access during maintenance, then safety is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interlock function from multiple individual components into a single unified interlock mechanism. The receptacle is designed so that when the second high voltage component is attached, it physically blocks access to the fastening member, preventing lid opening. This consolidated approach maintains safety across all high voltage components while reducing the total number of interlock mechanisms needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves multiple functions: it mounts the second high voltage component, provides an interlock mechanism by blocking fastening member access, and triggers high voltage cutoff when the component is detached. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate interlock devices for each component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
2Reliability
If an interlock mechanism is attached to each high voltage component, then access prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the interlock functionality into the receptacle structure itself. The receptacle's positioning of the second high voltage component creates a physical barrier that prevents the fastening member from being accessed or operated. This integrated approach provides robust access prevention without adding separate interlock structures to each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The second high voltage component acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the receptacle and the fastening member. When attached to the receptacle, it indirectly blocks access to the fastening member without requiring direct mechanical interlock features on the first high voltage component or the lid itself.
3Reliability
If multiple interlock mechanisms are provided for multiple high voltage components, then safety during maintenance is improved, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interlock functions into a single receptacle-fastening member system. The receptacle is designed so that attachment of any high voltage component (particularly the second one) blocks access to the fastening member, preventing lid opening. This single unified system replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate interlock mechanisms, reducing the total part count while maintaining safety during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves as a universal interlock mechanism for all high voltage components mounted within it. By positioning components in specific locations on the receptacle, the design ensures that component attachment automatically engages the interlock function, providing universal safety coverage without requiring component-specific interlock parts.
Data Source
AI summary
The high voltage component assembly includes a first high voltage component and a second high voltage component for operating respectively upon reception of high voltage supply from a supply source, a case body for containing the first high voltage component therein, a lid to be attached to the case body to prevent access to an inside of the case body in a state of the lid being attached to the case body, a fastening member to be fastened in a fastening state to fix the lid so as not to be detached from the case body, a receptacle to which the second high voltage component is attached, the receptacle being provided at a position precluding release of the fastening member from the fastening state in a state of the receptacle receiving the second high voltage component attached, and a cutoff device for cutting off the supply of the high voltage from the supply source upon detachment of the second high voltage component from the receptacle.