Modular Power Connector With Visible Modules and Fault Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connectors are not versatile enough to accommodate different international plug types and do not allow for easy visualization of internal components, nor can they easily combine different electronic modules or indicate electrical faults.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical connecting apparatus with a semi-transparent housing, a circuit board, surge protecting and network interface modules, and light components like LEDs to indicate operational status, along with a universal serial bus interface, allowing for various module configurations and bypassing the circuit board for direct wire connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If existing electrical connectors are used, then the structure is simple and housing is opaque, but the internal components cannot be visually inspected and fault detection is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing incorporates a semi-transparent or transparent portion that allows visual inspection of internal components. This design principle enables users to observe the internal structure and component status without opening the housing, thereby reducing fault detection difficulty while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrical connector designs are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different countries and devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into modular components including a housing, circuit board, and multiple selectable electronic modules (power conversion module, data communication module, surge protecting module). These modules can be independently selected and assembled to create connectors adapted to different countries and devices, enhancing versatility while keeping individual module complexity low.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design incorporates multiple electronic modules that can perform different functions (power conversion, data communication, surge protection). By selecting and combining appropriate modules, a single connector design can serve multiple purposes and adapt to different international standards and device requirements, achieving universality without requiring completely different connector designs for each application.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical connectors are used, then the structure is simple, but combining different electronic modules in a single apparatus is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The design merges multiple electronic modules (power conversion module, data communication module, surge protecting module) into a single connector apparatus. These modules are integrated on a common circuit board within the housing, allowing different functional modules to work together in one unified device. This enables consumers to combine multiple electronic functions in a single connector without requiring separate devices, enhancing versatility while managing integration complexity through standardized module interfaces.
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
Enables universal use across different countries, easy module combination, and visual inspection of internal components, while providing fault indication and reliable power delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more light components are in the form of a light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connecting apparatus, more specifically but not exclusively, to a modular electrical connecting apparatus which includes a housing (9), a power inlet socket (12) associated with the housing, a circuit board (20) for connecting the electronic components of the apparatus (10), the circuit board (20) being associated with the housing (9) and a power outlet connector (14) associated with the housing (9), whereas the power inlet socket (12) and power outlet connector (14) are in electrical communication and where one or more electronic modules can be associated with the apparatus (10).