Plug Connector Temperature Sensors on Contact Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging plug connectors face delays in detecting overheating contact elements due to temperature sensors being embedded in insulating bodies, which hinders quick response times for switching off charging currents in case of faults.
Innovation Solution
Arranging temperature sensors directly on each contact element and connecting them in series through a common sensor line, allowing for rapid detection and evaluation of temperature changes without the need for an additional insulating body, enabling immediate countermeasures like switching off the charging current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors are embedded in an insulating body, then electrical insulation is provided, but temperature detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple individual sensors, each assigned to a specific contact element. This segmentation allows each sensor to be positioned directly on its associated contact element, eliminating the need for a centralized insulating body embedding approach and enabling immediate temperature detection at the source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common sensor line as an intermediary connection medium that links all temperature sensors together. This sensor line serves as the mediator for transmitting temperature data from multiple contact elements to the evaluation device, replacing the need for embedding sensors in a shared insulating body while maintaining electrical insulation through the inherent insulation properties of the sensor line itself.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are arranged centrally on an insulating body, then overall temperature monitoring is achieved, but individual contact element temperature detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature monitoring system into individual sensors for each contact element, allowing precise measurement of each element's temperature independently. This eliminates the delay inherent in centralized monitoring where temperature changes at any contact element must propagate through the insulating body to reach the central sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Each temperature sensor is positioned locally on its associated contact element, providing localized temperature measurement capability. This local quality approach ensures that temperature changes at any specific contact element are detected immediately by its dedicated sensor, rather than waiting for thermal propagation to a central monitoring point.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are provided with individual lines, then temperature data from each contact element is available, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual sensor connections into a single common sensor line that interlinks all temperature sensors in series. This combining approach maintains the ability to read individual temperature data from each contact element while reducing the overall complexity of the connection system from multiple separate lines to one unified sensor line.
Solution Approach 2:
The common sensor line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connection for all temperature sensors, acts as a shared communication pathway for temperature data, and maintains electrical insulation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lines for each sensor, reducing overall system complexity while preserving individual temperature measurement capability.
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
This configuration provides rapid response characteristics and cost-effective, reliable overheating detection, allowing for timely intervention to prevent component damage and ensure safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is arranged on one associated contact element, respectively, of the plurality of contact elements, to detect a change in a temperature of the associated contact element
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, the present invention provides a plug connector part for connection to a mating plug connector part, including a plurality of electrical contact elements for carrying an electrical current and establishing electrical contact with contact elements of a mating plug connector part, the plurality of electrical contact elements including a plurality of temperature sensors, each of which is arranged on one associated contact element, respectively, of the plurality of contact elements, to detect a change in a temperature of the associated contact element, the temperature sensors being connected to a common sensor line.