Lighting Driver Plug Connection With Tool-Free Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting a light source driver to a power supply require specialized knowledge or effort, making it difficult for untrained personnel to assemble luminaires efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plug-in element and mechanical strain relief clamp, featuring a hinged cover for easy access and visual inspection, and a plug-in element with positive-locking mechanisms to ensure secure connections without tools, integrated into the driver housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a terminal block is used for connecting the power supply cable to the driver housing, then the connection is reliable, but the installation requires specialized knowledge and increased effort
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate plug and socket components. The power supply cable connects to a plug with electrical terminals, while the driver housing receives a corresponding socket with plug-in elements. This segmentation allows untrained personnel to simply insert the plug into the socket without needing to understand electrical connections, thereby maintaining reliable electrical contact while dramatically simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug and socket assembly acts as an intermediary component between the power supply cable and the driver housing. This intermediate connection device encapsulates the electrical terminals and wiring, presenting a simple plug-in interface to the installer while ensuring proper electrical connections internally. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of electrical connection, leaving only a simple mechanical insertion task for the installer.
2Ease of operation
If the power supply cable is pre-connected to a separate connection component, then the connection process is simplified, but additional connection effort is still required
Solution Approach 1:
The plug and socket are designed as complementary components that merge into a single integrated connection when mated. The socket is directly formed on the driver housing, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets or additional connection hardware. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts and assembly steps, simplifying the overall connection process while maintaining ease of operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a plug connection is used for connecting the driver to the power supply, then the connection is mechanically stable, but the assembly requires precise alignment and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The plug and socket features asymmetric alignment elements including positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses. These asymmetric features guide the plug into correct alignment with the socket during insertion, ensuring proper mechanical stability and electrical contact. The asymmetric design eliminates the need for precise manual alignment by the installer, as the features self-align during the plug-in operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning protrusions and recesses enable self-alignment and self-positioning of the plug relative to the socket. During installation, the installer simply needs to insert the plug toward the socket; the asymmetric features automatically guide the plug into the correct position and orientation. This self-service mechanism ensures mechanically stable connection without requiring the installer to achieve precise alignment manually.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for connecting a lighting unit driver (3) to a voltage supply, having a plug (1) comprising: an electric connection terminal (12) for a current supply cable; a housing (11) for receiving the electric connection terminal (12); a plug element (14) on one side of the housing (11) for producing a plug connection, wherein the plug element (14) is electrically connected to the electric connection terminal (12); and a corresponding plug element (2) which is formed directly on a housing (4) of the lighting unit driver (3) and corresponds to the plug element (14) in order to allow a form-fitting and electrically conductive plug connection between the plug element (14) of the plug (1) and the corresponding plug element (2).