Plug assembly, compressor starter and compressor assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing compressor starter connections are cumbersome and lack reliability, particularly when using electronic starters, which increases power consumption and complicates installation.

Innovation Solution

A plug assembly with a simple structure featuring mounting through holes and connecting posts that facilitate easy and reliable connection between the compressor starter and compressor, including a coaxial design with specific dimensions and features like annular grooves and open slots to enhance stability and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If an electronic starter is used to reduce power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the connection between the compressor starter and the compressor becomes cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnection convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate parts: a first connector integrated with the compressor starter and a second connector integrated with the compressor. This segmentation allows each connector to be optimized for its specific function and enables easy connection and disconnection by simply bringing the two parts together, eliminating the cumbersome wiring associated with electronic starters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly acts as an intermediary component that bridges the compressor starter and the compressor. This intermediary structure provides a standardized interface with multiple connection points, simplifying the connection process while maintaining reliable electrical contacts for the electronic starter's low-power operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a simple plug structure is used to facilitate connection, then connection convenience is improved, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection convenienceVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector integrates multiple functions into a single unified structure: mechanical connection, electrical connection, and positioning are all combined in one component. This merging ensures that when the connector is assembled, all connection functions are simultaneously activated, providing both ease of operation and reliable connection without requiring separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is pre-configured with built-in electrical contacts and conductive structures during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the connector is installed, reliable electrical connections are immediately established without requiring additional assembly steps or separate wiring operations, thus maintaining both simplicity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11994157B2Plug assembly, compressor starter and compressor assembly
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 ANHUI MEIZHI COMPRESSOR CO LTD
  • US11994157B2 patent drawing
  • US11994157B2 patent drawing
  • US11994157B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A plug assembly includes a plug body defining at least one mounting through hole and at least one a connecting post passing through the mounting through hole. Each connecting post has a first end located in the mounting through hole to be configured for plug-in connection with a terminal of a compressor, and a second end extending beyond the mounting through hole to be configured for connection with a control board. A compressor starter can include the plug assembly. A compressor assembly can include the compressor starter.