Luminaire Connector Socket With Dual Locking Channels for Wear Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing connector designs for luminaires, such as those following the Zhaga system, suffer from wear and tear in the narrower sections of the side channels, leading to a less secure mechanical connection and reduced effectiveness of the seal, particularly when attaching and detaching external devices.
Innovation Solution
The connector socket design incorporates two side channels extending in opposite directions, allowing different types of components (e.g., external components and protective caps) to be attached in opposite rotational directions, thereby sharing the wear and tear across two narrower sections, thus extending the lifetime of the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single locking channel with one narrower section is used, then the connector design is simple, but wear and tear occurs in the narrower section leading to reduced connection security and seal effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The locking channel is segmented into two separate narrower sections (first and second narrower sections) instead of one single narrower section. Each narrower section can be worn by different types of external devices (e.g., sensor vs. communication module), distributing the wear across multiple locations and preventing premature failure of the connection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the locking channel are designed with different functions: the first narrower section is optimized for one type of external device while the second narrower section is optimized for another type. This local differentiation allows each section to maintain optimal fit and security for its intended device while reducing overall wear on critical surfaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector supports multiple external devices, then the adaptability is improved, but wear and tear in the locking channel increases reducing the connector lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The locking channel is divided into multiple narrower sections that can accommodate different external device types. Each device type wears a specific section rather than all sections, allowing the connector to support multiple devices over extended periods without degradation of connection security in any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows different external devices to be attached and detached, with each device effectively 'using' a different narrower section of the locking channel. This distributes the wear across multiple locations, recovering the overall connector lifetime by preventing concentrated wear in any single critical area.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective cap is attached to cover the connector socket, then the seal effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical connection security is reduced due to wear in the narrower section
Solution Approach 1:
The locking channel for the protective cap includes a narrower section that is separate from the narrower sections used by external devices. This segmentation ensures that the protective cap wears a different portion of the locking channel, maintaining mechanical connection security while providing effective sealing when the cap is attached.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector socket has a cylinder-shaped head with a substantially planar end face and a substantially cylindrical side wall. The end face has slots each for receiving an electrical connector pin and the side wall comprises a set of locking channels, each for receiving a locking lug. The locking channels each comprise an entry channel having a first end which opens at the end face and a second end opposite to the first end. Two side channels extend laterally in opposite directions from the second end of the entry channel. The locking channels thereby enable rotation of an attachment (e.g. external component or protective cap) during coupling in both directions. This reduces wear of the walls that define the locking channels.