Lockable Plug Safety Device with Segmented Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for plug connections often require modifications to existing plug types or re-equipment of cabling arrangements, limiting their usability and slot density, especially in densely arranged configurations, and fail to provide a simple, lockable solution that prevents unintentional operation of locking clips.
Innovation Solution
A safety device featuring a lockable closure piece with a slide piece that includes wedging elements and a locking mechanism, allowing secure operation of locking clips only with a key, designed to be clipped onto existing plugs without modifications, enabling high slot density and preventing manual operation of locking clips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collar-shaped safety element completely covers the locking clip, then unintentional operation of the locking clip is prevented, but the width of the safety element limits the slot density
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is divided into two separate pieces: a closure lower piece that is fixed on the plug and a closure upper piece that can be placed upon the lower piece. This segmentation allows the safety function to be distributed across multiple components, reducing the space required for each individual component while maintaining the overall safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a wide collar-shaped element to a more compact design that utilizes vertical stacking (placing the upper piece upon the lower piece) rather than relying solely on horizontal width. This dimensional change allows for higher slot density while maintaining the locking function.
2Reliability
If a bushing is provided to slide over the plug and manually push to unclip the locking clip, then unintentional separation is prevented, but existing cabling arrangements must be re-equipped
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is divided into a closure lower piece that attaches to the existing plug and a closure upper piece that provides the locking function. This segmentation allows the lower piece to be fixed on standard plugs without modification, while the upper piece provides the safety functionality, enabling retrofitting of existing installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure lower piece is designed to be compatible with existing standardized plugs (such as RJ-45) without requiring modifications to the plug itself. This universal compatibility allows the safety device to be retrofitted onto existing cabling arrangements while maintaining the original plug functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a complicatedly constructed housing with a flap and slide mechanism is used, then the plug clips can be pressed into release position, but the device cannot prevent clips from being operated at any time and cannot be locked
Solution Approach 1:
The closure upper piece is designed to be movable relative to the closure lower piece, allowing it to be placed upon or removed from the lower piece. This dynamic configuration enables the safety device to transition between locked and unlocked states, providing both protection against unintentional operation and ease of intentional release.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and releasing functions are extracted from a complicated housing structure and integrated into the simple placement and removal of the closure upper piece. This extraction eliminates the need for complex slide mechanisms and flaps, achieving lockability through the basic action of placing or removing the upper piece onto the lower piece.
Data Source
AI summary
A security device for a plug (1) has at least one locking clip (2) said security device comprising a lockable closure piece (8, 12) which prevent the manual operation of the locking clip (2). The closure piece (8, 12) comprises a closure lower piece (8) which may be fixed to the plug (1) on which a separate closure upper piece (12) is placed. Said closure lower piece (8) is designed such as to be clipped on the plug (1) with a positive and/or non-positive fit.