Compact Interlocked Socket With Cam Switching and Plug Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interlocked sockets are bulky due to the inclusion of circuit breakers and mechanical locking devices, making them unsuitable for compact applications and violating space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A compact interlocked electrical socket design incorporating a containment body with integrated contact chains, a cam disk mechanism, and a switching ring system that allows for compact dimensions while ensuring safety and compliance with standards, featuring a mechanical interlock that prevents plug insertion/removal based on breaker status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional interlocked sockets include circuit breakers and mechanical locking devices, then safety and compliance with standards are ensured, but the dimensions of the socket become considerably larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker and mechanical locking device into a single integrated mechanism. The breaker body houses both the electrical breaking function and the mechanical interlocking components, allowing the plug to be locked in position while the breaker is closed, and preventing operation when open, without requiring separate bulky components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The breaker body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the housing for the circuit breaker, the mechanical locking mechanism, and the interlocking interface for the plug. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components, thereby reducing the overall volume of the socket while maintaining safety and compliance.
2Reliability
If conventional interlocked sockets include circuit breakers and mechanical locking devices, then compliance with EN60309 standards is achieved, but the socket occupies excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit breaker and mechanical locking device into a single integrated mechanism. The breaker body houses both the electrical breaking function and the mechanical interlocking components, allowing the plug to be locked in position while the breaker is closed, and preventing operation when open, without requiring separate bulky components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a rotary switching apparatus with a cam mechanism that operates in a rotational dimension. The cam disk rotates to simultaneously control multiple contact chains and the mechanical interlocking, utilizing angular motion to achieve compact packaging of the control functions within a small footprint area.
3Volume of stationary object
If a compact design is implemented, then space constraints are satisfied, but the complexity of integrating breaker and locking mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the circuit breaker and mechanical locking device into a single integrated mechanism. The breaker body houses both the electrical breaking function and the mechanical interlocking components, allowing the plug to be locked in position while the breaker is closed, and preventing operation when open, without requiring separate bulky components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic rotary switching apparatus with a cam mechanism that automatically coordinates the opening/closing of multiple contact chains with the mechanical interlocking engagement/disengagement. This dynamic coordination eliminates the need for complex static linkages and multiple independent control mechanisms, reducing overall integration complexity while achieving compact dimensions.
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 design achieves a compact, reliable, and safe interlocked socket that complies with standards, occupying minimal space and ensuring easy use with enhanced safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a spring (12) pressing said movable contact (11) against said fixed contacts (8, 10)
Implementation Method 2
a cam disk mechanism
Implementation Method 3
a mechanical interlock that prevents plug insertion/removal based on breaker status
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7
AI summary
A compact interlocked electrical socket, including a containment body provided with a plurality of receptacles adapted to receive respective pins of a plug; each of the receptacles being electrically connected to a connector by means of contacts which are mutually movable between a closed contact position, which corresponds to the closure of the circuit, and an open contact position, which corresponds to the opening of the circuit; the closed contact position allowing the electrical connection between the receptacle and the connector, the open contact position breaking the electrical connection between the receptacle and the connector; the socket including a means for mechanically locking the plug in the socket in the closed contact position and a means for mechanically locking the breaker means in the open contact position, when the plug is not inserted in the socket; the socket being characterized in that it includes an actuation member that actuates simultaneously the locking means and breaker means which actuate the mutually movable contacts.