Integrated Plug Connector for Light Source Earthing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting devices require additional effort and materials for earthing light sources, leading to increased costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A plug connector that integrates both power supply and earthing connections, allowing simultaneous connection to a light source's power supply and earthing lines, with contact points spatially offset to ensure safe installation and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional cable or plug connection is used for earthing, then earthing of light source is achieved, but material requirements and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the earthing function with the existing power supply plug connector by integrating a second contact element that makes electrical contact with the conductive holding element. This merging eliminates the need for separate earthing cables or additional plug connections, thereby reducing material requirements while maintaining earthing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive holding element serves dual functions: it mechanically holds the light source in the lighting device and simultaneously provides the earthing connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional earthing-specific components, thereby reducing material requirements while ensuring reliable earthing.
2Reliability
If additional cable or plug connection is used for earthing, then earthing of light source is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The earthing connection is merged into the existing power supply connector structure. The second contact element is integrated into the plug connector, and the conductive holding element is part of the lighting device structure. This integration eliminates additional installation steps and reduces device complexity while maintaining earthing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing components (power supply connector and conductive holding element) to provide the earthing function without requiring additional dedicated earthing components. This self-service approach reduces installation complexity by utilizing already-present structures for dual purposes.
3Reliability
If spatial offset of contact points is implemented, then safe installation is ensured, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second contact point is spatially offset from the first contact point along the plug-in direction. This preliminary positioning ensures that during insertion, the earthing connection (second contact) is established before the power supply connection (first contact) is made. This sequence prevents dangerous situations where power could be supplied without proper earthing, thereby ensuring installation safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug connector for connecting to a connection device of a light source is provided. The plug connector includes: (1) a first connection for connecting the plug connector to a power supply; (2) a first contact element electrically connected to the first connection for providing an electrical connection to at least one contact point of at least one power supply line of the light source; (3) a second connection for connecting the plug connector to an earthing line; and (4) a second contact element electrically connected to the second connection for providing an electrical connection to at least one contact point of at least one earthing line of the light source, so that, when the plug connector is connected to the connection device, both a power supply and earthing of the light source can be achieved. Furthermore, a light source and lighting device are provided.