Multi-Layer Piercing Plug with Integrated Optical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs designed to pierce electrically conductive and light-conductive materials have a limited field of application, restricting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A plug with a housing featuring insulated electrical contact elements and a light-conducting optical contact element, arranged on a connector pin that can be manually inserted into a carrier body with electrically conductive layers and a light-conducting layer, allowing for easy connection and control of electrical and optical signals without the need for tools, using a control unit to manage signal transmission based on input light signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plug is designed to pierce multi-layered structures with multiple connecting pins, then connection capability to multiple layers is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connecting pins (first connecting pin for first conductive layer, second connecting pin for second conductive layer, and third connecting pin for light-conducting layer) into a single integrated plug body. This merging approach allows the plug to simultaneously establish electrical and optical connections to multiple layers through a single insertion action, thereby improving connection capability while avoiding the complexity of handling multiple separate pins individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a universal connector that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: establishing electrical connection to the first conductive layer, electrical connection to the second conductive layer, and optical connection to the light-conducting layer. This multi-functional design enables a single plug to adapt to various connection requirements in multi-layered structures, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If a plug requires tool-assisted insertion into carrier body, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting pins are pre-configured with pointed tips during manufacturing, which enables them to automatically pierce through the carrier body material upon insertion. This preliminary preparation of the pin geometry eliminates the need for external cutting or drilling tools during installation, allowing users to directly insert the plug into the carrier body while maintaining reliable mechanical and electrical connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contact elements are arranged at different longitudinal positions on connecting pin, then connection to multiple layers is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact elements are positioned at different longitudinal locations along the connecting pin, with each contact element optimized for its specific function and connection target. The first electrical contact element is positioned to engage with the first conductive layer, the second electrical contact element for the second conductive layer, allowing each contact to be precisely positioned for its specific connection requirement while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
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 a wide range of applications by allowing easy and reliable connection of electrical and optical devices to electrically conductive and light-conducting layers, facilitating the transmission of signals and power supply across multiple devices through a single plug, with the ability to control and address individual connections for efficient energy distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light-conducting optical contact element arranged on at least one connecting pin projecting from the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a plug (1) for inserting into at least two layers (5, 6) made of electrically conductive material and into a layer (7) made of material conducting light waves, having a housing (2), at least two electrical contact elements (8, 9), which are insulated from each other, and a light-guiding optical contact element (10). The at least two electrical contact elements (8, 9) and the light-guiding optical contact element (10) are arranged on at least one connection pin (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), which protrudes from the housing (2) and which is formed so as to converge to at least one point (S) at the end (3s) furthest from the housing (2), with the electrical contact elements (8, 9) being arranged at different longitudinal positions (L8, L9) on the at least one connection pin (3, 3a, 3b, 3c). The housing (2) has at least one socket (11) for a plug connector (V) of an electrical and/or optical device (G), which is to be connected to the connection pin (3, 3a, 3b, 3c), and the socket (11) has at least one connection (12, 12a, 12b), which is connected to at least one of the electrical contact elements (8, 9) and to the optical contact element (10). The housing (2) has a control unit (13), via which the electrical contact elements (8, 9) and/or the optical contact element (10) are connected to the at least one connection (12, 12a, 12b).