Locking Device Electrical Contacts via Threaded Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking devices face challenges in combining mechanical and electrical connections in a simple manner, where the electrical connection is not automatically established with the mechanical connection and can be prone to stress during assembly.
Innovation Solution
The locking device features electrical contacts at different radial distances from the axis of rotation, with ring-shaped counter-contacts ensuring an automatic and independent electrical connection through a threaded connection, and an anti-twist device using axial recesses and projections to prevent torsional stress, eliminating the need for plug-in connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate plug-in electrical connections are provided, then electrical connection can be established, but the connection is subjected to twisting and stress during mechanical assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical connection and electrical connection into a single integrated operation. The electrical contacts are embedded in the mechanical coupling components, so that when the first component is mechanically coupled to the second component, both mechanical fastening and electrical connection occur simultaneously through the same coupling action, eliminating separate plug-in steps and exposing electrical contacts to less stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spring-loaded electrical contacts as intermediary elements that automatically engage with corresponding contacts on the mating component. These spring-loaded contacts act as mediators that accommodate misalignment and reduce stress during assembly, while ensuring reliable electrical connection through automatic engagement facilitated by the spring force.
2Strength
If threaded connection is used for mechanical connection, then mechanical strength is achieved, but electrical contact depends on angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-contact electrical connections (which depend on angular positioning) to ring-shaped electrical contacts that provide continuous circumferential contact. This dimensional change from a point to a ring allows electrical contact to be maintained regardless of the angular position of the threaded connection, as the ring-shaped contact encompasses the entire circumference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical contact function with the threaded mechanical connection by integrating spring-loaded electrical contacts into the threaded component structure. This integration ensures that the same rotational and axial movements that establish mechanical connection also establish electrical contact, making both functions dependent on the same degree of freedom.
3Reliability
If electrical contacts are made resilient, then contact reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spring-loaded electrical contacts that utilize elastic deformation of thin metallic elements to provide resilient contact force. These spring-loaded contacts are designed as simple elastic elements that deform under load to maintain continuous electrical connection, providing reliability through flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components.
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
This design allows for a stable and secure electrical connection that is automatically established and separated with the mechanical connection, enhancing the reliability and ease of assembly while maintaining high mechanical load resistance.
Implementation Method 1
If the electrical contacts are designed as resilient contact pins, the contact pins interact with the ring-shaped mating contacts when the handle is screwed to the cylinder core in the manner of sliding contacts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The closure equipment has a closure cylinder (1) with a cylinder core (3) rotated in a closure cylinder housing (2). A connecting unit is provided for mechanically and electrically detachable connection of a handle with the cylinder core. The connecting unit has two electric contacts (21) that are arranged at a different radial distance from a rotary axis of the cylinder core, where the annular counter contacts are arranged on corresponding the diameter. The electrical contacts are arranged on the cylinder core, while the counter contacts are arranged on the handle.