Line Connector With 360° Optical Status Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line connectors lack efficient visualization of diagnostic data, restricting the detection of both connectors' status in a single viewing direction, especially in hazardous environments, and fail to maintain a robust connection under harsh conditions.
Innovation Solution
A line connector with optical indicators arranged circumferentially on its housing, capable of displaying status information through lighting and graphics, enabling remote detection and maintaining a wireless connection despite movement, using a wireless interface for electromagnetic coupling and a controller to adapt signal parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If diagnostic displays are arranged on the rear of the line connector, then diagnostic data can be displayed locally, but only one diagnostic display can be visible in a connection consisting of two line connectors, restricting the detection of diagnostic data from both line connectors in one viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar display arrangement (rear only) to three-dimensional circumferential distribution. Optical indicators are arranged around the entire circumference of the housing, allowing diagnostic information to be viewed from any angular direction, not just from the rear. This dimensional expansion resolves the limitation of single-sided visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagnostic display function is segmented into multiple independent optical indicators distributed around the circumference. Each optical indicator can display status information independently, and their circumferential arrangement ensures that at least one indicator is always visible from any viewing direction, eliminating the single-point visibility limitation.
2Reliability
If contactless electric connections are used, then wear-free connection of electric devices is achieved, but the functionality of the plug connection cannot be checked directly at the plug connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback through optical indicators that provide real-time status information about the connection state. The diagnostic device monitors connection parameters and translates them into visible optical signals, enabling users to directly assess connection functionality without physical contact or additional testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic system that bridges the gap between the contactless connection and human observation. The diagnostic device acts as a mediator, converting electrical connection status into optical signals that can be directly observed, thus enabling indirect but immediate verification of connection functionality.
3Loss of information
If optical diagnostic displays are arranged on the rear, then local diagnostic information can be provided, but the viewing angle is restricted and diagnostic data from both line connectors cannot be detected in one viewing direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent expands the display arrangement from a single rear plane to a three-dimensional circumferential configuration. Optical indicators are distributed around the entire housing perimeter, creating a 360-degree visible display system. This allows diagnostic information to be accessed from any angular position, eliminating viewing angle restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circumferential arrangement of optical indicators provides universal visibility from all directions. The same diagnostic information becomes accessible regardless of the observer's position, making the system universally viewable and eliminating the need for specific viewing orientations.
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
Enhances the visibility of diagnostic data across a wide viewing angle, ensures a robust and wear-free connection in harsh environments, and extends service life by maintaining connectivity during relative movements.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical indicator (109-1) being adapted to generate a first optical signal which represents the first status. Furthermore, the second optical indicator (109-2) is adapted to generate a second optical signal that represents the second status
Implementation Method 2
The second electric connection can be a wireless interface which is adapted to convert at least part of the first electric signal into an, in particular wireless second electric signal
Data Source
AI summary
A line connector for transmitting electrical signals includes a housing, a first electric connection configured to transmit a first electrical signal, a second electrical connection configured to transmit a second electrical signal, and a diagnostic device. The diagnostic device is configured to monitor the first electrical signal and detect a first status of the first electric connection, and to monitor the second electrical signal and detect a second status of the second electrical connection. The housing has a housing wall with a first optical indicator and a second optical indicator. The first optical indicator is configured to generate a first optical signal representing the first status, and the second optical indicator is configured to generate a second optical signal representing the second status.