Insulated Electrical Connector for Live Terminal Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors require power to be switched off for safe installation, causing disruptions and delays in railway installations.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector with an insulating housing and moveable conductive contact that allows safe connection to live terminals, featuring a biasing mechanism for secure retention and a fuse holder for simplified installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power supply is switched off for safe installation, then safety of personnel is improved, but operational disruption and installation delay occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (the electrical connector with insulating housing) that mediates between the live electrical terminal and the electrical equipment. This intermediary provides physical isolation and safety mechanisms, allowing installation to proceed without switching off the power supply, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and operational continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating housing and safety mechanisms are designed beforehand to cushion against electrical hazards. By pre-establishing these protective measures, the system allows personnel to work on live terminals safely, eliminating the need to shut down power for installation activities
2Productivity
If existing electrical connectors are used on live terminals, then installation can proceed without power shutdown, but safety and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector employs composite construction combining insulating materials (housing) with conductive elements (contacts). This composite structure provides both the productivity benefit of working on live terminals and the reliability of safe, isolated connections through the insulating barrier between the user and live components
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into distinct functional zones: an insulating housing section for safety and handling, and a conductive contact section for electrical connection. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously provide safety (through insulation) and electrical connectivity (through conductive contacts), resolving the contradiction between installation efficiency and connection reliability
3Productivity
If power supply remains on during installation, then operational disruption is minimized, but risk of electric shock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating housing acts as a mediator that blocks the harmful electrical energy from reaching the user while allowing the electrical connection to be made. This intermediary structure enables continuous power supply (productivity) while eliminating the electric shock risk through physical isolation of conductive parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful live electrical terminal into a safe working condition by using the insulating housing to contain and control the electrical energy. The live terminal, which would normally pose a shock hazard, becomes a safe connection point when accessed through the insulated connector, allowing continuous operation without increased risk
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
Enables safe and efficient installation of electrical equipment on live terminals without power disruption, reducing operational impact on rail networks.
Implementation Method 1
The contact may be moveable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connector for connecting an electrical equipment to an electrical terminal. The electrical connector comprises a housing having an opening in communication with an interior of the housing and an electrically conductive contact disposed within the interior of the housing. The electrically conductive contact is accessible via the opening and comprises an aperture for receiving the electrical terminal. The contact is moveable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The first position permits the electrical terminal to be inserted through the opening and into the aperture. The second position is configured to retain the electrical terminal in the aperture.