HV Connector Control Terminal Safety Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector units for high voltage direct current electric power supply lack safety features to prevent human exposure and ensure safe operation during installation and maintenance, particularly in environments where high voltage can pose a risk to human safety.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an inserting connector with a control plug terminal that can be extended and retracted using a slide switch or pushing button, which connects to a control jack terminal in the receiving connector, featuring insulation springs to ensure safe electrical connections and prevent accidental contact, along with a lock terminal to secure the connection, thereby controlling the flow of high voltage electric power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If high voltage direct current electric power is supplied to reduce electric power loss and eliminate thick cable requirements, then energy efficiency is improved, but safety risk to human body increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power lossVSAvoidhuman body exposure to high voltage
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into separate inserting and receiving parts with distinct terminal arrangements. The first and second plug terminals are spatially separated and arranged perpendicular to the inserting direction, preventing simultaneous contact with both terminals and eliminating the risk of electric shock during connection operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control plug terminal is introduced as an intermediary element that must be connected first to enable power transmission. This control terminal acts as a safety mediator that prevents direct contact between operators and high voltage terminals, allowing safe operation during installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If conventional connector units are used for high voltage supply, then device simplicity is maintained, but safety control capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector structureVSAvoidsafety control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control plug terminal is designed to be movable relative to the main body, capable of extending and retracting. This dynamic structure allows the control terminal to be positioned appropriately during different operational phases, enabling safety control without requiring a completely complex static structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control plug terminal must be connected to the control jack terminal before electric power can be supplied to the electronic apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that safety controls are established before high voltage is activated, providing inherent safety without adding excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If plug terminals are arranged for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental contact between terminals increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection operationVSAvoidaccidental electric shock
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug terminals are arranged asymmetrically with the first and second plug terminals positioned at different locations and oriented perpendicular to each other. This asymmetric arrangement makes it impossible for operators to accidentally contact both terminals simultaneously, eliminating electric shock risk while maintaining straightforward connection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The plug terminals are arranged in different spatial dimensions - the first plug terminal is arranged in a first direction while the second plug terminal is arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first. This three-dimensional spatial separation prevents accidental contact while keeping the connector easy to operate.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2899815B1Inserting connector, receiving connector, and connector unit
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 FCL COMPONENTS LTD
  • EP2899815B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2899815B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2899815B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

An inserting connector connected to a receiving connector, the receiving connector being configured to electrically connect an electric power source and an electric apparatus receiving an electric power supply from the electric power source, the inserting connector being connected to the electric apparatus, the inserting connector includes two electric power plug terminals made of a conductor, the conductor being configured to receive the electric power supply; and a control plug terminal configured to be extended and retracted in an inserting direction.