Modular Wiring Locking Mechanism for Secure Electrical Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular wiring systems lack a secure and intuitive method for coupling functional units to wiring units, often resulting in misconnection and instability in electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A modular wiring system featuring a locking mechanism with electrically conductive prongs and flanges that allow rotational coupling, ensuring secure and correct alignment of functional and wiring units through a locking connection system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wiring systems are used without locking mechanisms, then the installation process is simpler, but the connection stability and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: locking flanges on the functional unit, corresponding receiving features on the wiring unit, and electrically conductive prongs for electrical connection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated connection process: mechanical locking through flanges, electrical connection through conductive prongs, and polarity verification through the locking geometry. This combination eliminates the need for separate locking and wiring steps, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If modular wiring systems allow easy connection and disconnection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system employs dynamic locking flanges that can be easily engaged through a simple insertion and rotation motion, yet provide static secure locking once connected. The flanges are designed to maintain constant contact pressure to ensure stable electrical connection while allowing straightforward disengagement when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking flanges act as intermediary elements between the functional unit and wiring unit, providing a mechanical interface that ensures stable connection. These flanges mediate the connection process by guiding the units into proper alignment and maintaining secure contact without requiring complex fastening operations.
3Reliability
If the wiring system uses a rotational locking mechanism, then the prevention of miswiring is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking flanges and receiving features are designed with asymmetric geometries that only permit connection in the correct orientation. The shape and positioning of the flanges create a mechanical key-lock system where only the proper alignment allows the locking engagement, thereby preventing miswiring through inherent geometric constraints rather than complex control systems.
4Reliability
If the locking element is made from electrically conductive material, then the electrical connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking flanges are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical locking engagement and conducting electrical current. By making the locking elements from electrically conductive material, the system eliminates the need for separate electrical contacts, simplifying the overall structure while improving electrical connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wiring system comprising a functional unit and a wiring unit. There is also a system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner. This system can be formed from at least one locking prong comprised of electrically conductive material. When the functional unit is coupled to the wiring unit, the locking prong is both electrically and physically coupled to the functional unit at a first end and to the wiring unit at a second end. Alternatively, or in addition, the system for coupling the functional unit to the wiring unit in a rotational manner can include at least one flange coupled to the functional unit and at least one flange coupled to the wiring unit. These flanges operate such that when the functional unit and the wiring unit are coupled together, they are rotated to form a locking connection between the flange on the functional unit and the flange on the wiring unit.