Modular Twist-Lock Electrical Device for Remote Energy Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In developing countries or remote areas, there is a need for an affordable and easy-to-use method to access electrical energy, as existing solutions often rely on costly and environmentally unsound fossil fuel-based gensets or direct fuel combustion for illumination and other functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A modular functional electrical device comprising an energy storage module and a function-providing module, where the modules are connected through a twist-lock mechanism with spring-loaded connectors and protrusions, allowing easy attachment and detachment, and rotational movement to switch between functional states without dedicated switches, facilitating the use of electrical energy for various functions like lighting, sound, or mechanical energy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a modular design with twist-lock mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical connection (twist-lock mechanism with protrusion and recess) and electrical connection (spring-loaded connector pins) into a single integrated connection interface. This merging allows both mechanical locking and electrical contact to be achieved through one attachment action, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: mechanical locking through the twist-lock mechanism, electrical connection through spring-loaded pins, and rotational switching between functional states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, addressing the complexity concern while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If spring-loaded connector pins are used, then reliability of electrical connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded connector pins integrate both contact formation and electrical connection functions in a single component. The spring mechanism provides automatic contact pressure and maintains reliable electrical connection without requiring separate pressure application mechanisms, thus improving reliability while managing complexity through functional merging.
3Ease of operation
If rotational movement is used to switch functional states, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational movement simultaneously achieves mechanical locking through the twist-lock mechanism and switching between functional states through the protrusion-recess engagement. This merging of locking and switching functions into a single rotational motion improves ease of operation while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational mechanism serves multiple purposes: locking the connection, switching between functional states (first and second states), and maintaining electrical contact. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, addressing the complexity concern while providing intuitive operational control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connection interface with twist-lock mechanism and spring-loaded pins can accommodate different function-providing modules while maintaining consistent mechanical and electrical connections. This universal interface design enables adaptability across different modules while managing complexity through standardization.
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
The modular design provides reliable, affordable, and intuitive access to electrical energy, enabling users to easily switch between functional states and connect the energy storage module with different function-providing modules, enhancing usability and reducing the need for complex infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
the other one of said first electrical connector and said second electrical connector comprises a first and a second spring-loaded connector pin
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a functional electrical device (1; 5) comprising an energy storage module (3) including a rechargeable battery for storing electrical energy and a male connection portion (10), and a function- providing module (2; 6) including circuitry for providing an electrical function and a female connection portion (16) for releasable mechanical and electrical connection to the male connection portion. The male connection portion (10) and the female connection portion (16) are configured in such a way that in a first rotational position, axial separation of the energy storage module (3) from the function-providing module (16) is prevented and flow of current from the battery to the circuitry is allowed, and in a second rotational position, axial separation of the energy storage module (3) from the function-providing module (2; 6) is prevented and flow of current from the battery to the circuitry is prevented.