Motorized Connector Closure for Touchless Contamination Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector installation elements require manual mechanical actuation, which can lead to contamination, user-unfriendliness, and potential damage, especially when operating against spring pressure.
Innovation Solution
An electrical connector installation element with a rotatable closure that can be operated through touch sensors, electric field sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors, or smart home integration, using motors to move the closure between open and closed positions without manual mechanical actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If manual mechanical actuation is used to open/close the closure, then the device can be operated without additional components, but the interior areas are exposed to greater contamination and the operation may cause damage to fingers or control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actuation with sensor-based detection systems (touch sensors, electric field sensors, optical sensors, acoustic sensors) that detect user intent without requiring physical contact with internal control elements. This substitution eliminates finger exposure to spring pressure and contamination risks while maintaining closure operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensor elements as intermediaries between the user and the closure mechanism. These sensors detect user presence or intent through non-contact means (electric field changes, optical signals, acoustic waves) and trigger the closure operation automatically, serving as a mediator that protects internal components from direct manual handling
2Ease of operation
If manual pressing of control elements against spring pressure is required, then the closure can be opened, but the operation is not user-friendly and may cause damage to longer fingernails or exert clamping force on fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical control elements requiring finger pressure with sensor-based detection systems that identify user intent through non-contact methods. Touch sensors detect capacitive changes, electric field sensors detect field disturbances, optical sensors detect light blockage or reflection changes, and acoustic sensors detect sound waves, all triggering closure operation without requiring users to press against spring pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism becomes self-activating based on sensor detection of user presence or intent. The system automatically initiates the opening or closing sequence when it detects user interaction signals, eliminating the need for users to manually overcome spring pressure and making the operation more reliable and user-friendly
3Adaptability or versatility
If different force is applied by different operators to the control element, then manual operation is flexible, but it is detrimental to the proper operation of the mechanical sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force-dependent mechanical control elements with sensor-based detection systems that respond to various types of user input signals rather than physical force magnitude. The sensors detect user intent through capacitive, electric field, optical, or acoustic changes, triggering a standardized mechanical sequence that is independent of the force applied by different operators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical force magnitude to sensor-detected physical phenomena (capacitive changes, electric field disturbances, optical signal changes, acoustic wave patterns). This parameter change allows the system to recognize user intent through multiple modalities while maintaining consistent mechanical sequence operation regardless of the operator or force applied
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
Provides contamination-resistant, user-friendly operation with consistent mechanical actuation, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (50) arranged in the base housing (10)
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary installation element for electrical connectors has a base housing in which at least one electrical plug socket is arranged, and an outer housing which has at least one through opening. A rotatable closure is arranged between the outer housing and the base housing. The installation element also has a drive motor and transmission which moves the closure linearly and rotationally, responsive to at least one control signal. The at least one through opening in the installation element can be opened and closed automatically without manual manipulation of the closure.