Integrated Mains Connector for Appliance Power and Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household appliances require separate connections for electrical energy and data transmission, complicating the loading of programs and maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A household appliance design that integrates a single mains connection for both electrical energy supply and data transmission, using a device connector plug with contact tongues for phase, neutral, and protective conductors, allowing for both unidirectional and bidirectional data transmission, and featuring data transmission contacts arranged on the inside of the mains connection for a compact and secure design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connections are provided for electrical energy supply and data transmission, then reliable electrical connection and data transmission are ensured, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical energy supply connection and data transmission connection into a single integrated mains connection unit. The device connector plug contains both power contacts (for phase, neutral, and protective earth) and data transmission contacts within the same physical connector, eliminating the need for separate connections and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mains connection is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical energy supply through power contacts and enables data transmission through integrated data contacts. This multi-functional design allows a single connection point to handle both power delivery and communication tasks, simplifying installation and reducing the number of components required
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate connections are made during production, then functional separation is achieved, but loading of programs and maintenance becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating data transmission contacts within the mains connection, the patent enables program loading and maintenance operations through the same connection used for power supply. This eliminates the need for separate access points for different functions, allowing service personnel to perform diagnostics and program updates using the standard mains connection already in place during installation
3Reliability
If data transmission contacts are arranged separately from mains contacts, then electrical safety is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data transmission contacts are nested within the structure of the mains connection, specifically arranged in the center and surrounded by the outer mains contacts. This nested arrangement allows the data contacts to be physically protected by the outer power contacts, providing electrical safety through shielding while maintaining a compact overall connector design that minimizes space requirements
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a domestic appliance (2) which comprises at least one mains connection (4) for the supply with power from a building supply mains. The invention is characterized in that the mains connection (4) comprises data transfer contacts (6).