Automatic Plug Cover Actuation via Insertion Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-and-socket devices require manual operation of a hinged cover to protect against dirt and moisture, which can be inconvenient and may be inadvertently deactivated, compromising safety and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
An automatic locking device with a cover element that moves from a rest position to an open position upon insertion of a complementary connector element, using the insertion force to drive the cover element open, eliminating the need for user intervention and enhancing safety and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual hinged cover is used to protect the contact module, then protection against dirt and moisture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for manual opening
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is pre-positioned to cover the contact module in a rest state, and the insertion of the complementary connector element automatically triggers the opening action. This preliminary positioning combined with automatic actuation eliminates the need for manual opening operations while maintaining protection when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the insertion motion of the complementary connector element itself to automatically open the cover element. The connector element's movement directly actuates the cover opening mechanism, making the system self-serving without requiring separate manual intervention for cover operation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a manual hinged cover is used, then protection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of accidental deactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is designed to respond automatically only to the specific insertion motion of a complementary connector element. The mechanical coupling between the insertion motion and cover opening ensures that protection is maintained unless the intended plugging operation is performed, eliminating risks associated with manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires the complementary connector element to be inserted to trigger cover opening. This preliminary requirement of proper connector insertion before cover opening ensures that protection is not accidentally deactivated, as the system waits for the correct operational sequence to be initiated.
3Ease of operation
If an automatic opening mechanism is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening mechanism for the cover element is merged with the insertion motion of the complementary connector element. The mechanical features that guide and secure the connector also serve to actuate the cover opening, combining multiple functions into a unified mechanism that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complementary connector element serves multiple functions: it establishes electrical contact, provides mechanical engagement, and simultaneously actuates the cover opening mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate actuation mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving automatic operation.
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
The automatic movement of the cover element ensures protection against dirt and moisture without user action, increasing ease of use and safety by eliminating the risk of accidental deactivation, allowing for one-handed insertion and improved protection against unauthorized use.
Implementation Method 1
the cover element has a sliding surface which is inclined relative to the plug-in axis and with which a complementary plug-in device element comes into contact when it is inserted into the contact module. Due to the slope of the sliding surface, a force component directed radially outwards from the plug-in axle is exerted on the cover element during the insertion process
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical plug device (100) having a contact module in which a complementary plug device element can be inserted from an access side (ZS) along a plug axis (X). The plug device (100) comprises a closure unit having at least one cover element (11a, 11b) that is transferred from a rest position to an open position when the complementary plug device element is inserted. At least two cover elements (11a, 11b), for example having funnel-shaped guide surfaces, can preferably be pressed radially apart from each other.