HVDC Connector with Control Plug Terminal for Safe Power Supply

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connector units for high voltage direct current electric power supply pose safety risks due to the potential for human exposure and operational hazards during installation and maintenance, as conventional connectors are not designed to handle high voltage levels effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of a connector unit comprising an inserting connector with two electric power plug terminals and a control plug terminal that extends to operate a relay, connecting with a receiving connector featuring electric power jack terminals and a control jack terminal, ensuring safe power supply by controlling the relay contacts to prevent accidental exposure to high voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If conventional connectors are used for high voltage direct current electric power supply, then electric power transmission efficiency is improved, but safety risks increase due to potential human exposure to high voltage

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

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate parts: an inserting connector and a receiving connector. These parts engage with each other to form a complete connection, but can be separated for safety purposes during installation and maintenance, preventing human exposure to high voltage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A control plug terminal and control jack terminal are introduced as intermediary control elements. These control terminals manage the engagement and disengagement of the high voltage electric power terminals, providing a safe interface for operation and preventing direct human contact with high voltage components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of energy

If high voltage direct current electric power is supplied to electronic apparatuses, then electric power transmission efficiency is improved, but operational hazards increase during installation and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power loss in voltage transformerVSAvoidsafety during installation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control plug terminal is designed to be engaged before the high voltage electric power terminals. This preliminary action ensures that the control mechanism is in place before high voltage power is transmitted, enabling safe operation during installation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control jack terminal acts as an intermediary that must be connected before high voltage power flow is enabled. This intermediate control interface allows safe operation during installation and maintenance by preventing direct access to high voltage terminals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional alternating current connector units are used, then ease of connection is maintained, but they are unsuitable for high voltage direct current power supply

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidcompatibility with high voltage direct current
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle high voltage direct current power supply while maintaining ease of connection. The structure incorporates both control terminals and high voltage electric power terminals in a single integrated unit that provides both safety control and power transmission functions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is segmented into control terminals and high voltage electric power terminals, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall ease of connection through a unified engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables safe and controlled supply of high voltage electric power to electronic apparatuses, enhancing safety by preventing accidental exposure to high voltage levels during installation and operation.

Implementation Method 1

the relay is operated by extending the control plug terminal in the inserting direction, so that the electric power is supplied to the electronic apparatus via the electric power plug terminal and the electric jack terminal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRelay operation: Relay

Data Source

PatentUS7982145B2Inserting connector, receiving connector, and connector unit
Publication Date: 2011.07.19 TERADA CO LTD
  • US7982145B2 patent drawing
  • US7982145B2 patent drawing
  • US7982145B2 patent drawing

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.