Electrical Plug Socket With Radio Identification Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug connections, such as car charging plugs, face issues with signal pin corrosion and the risk of short circuits due to voltage on exposed contacts, leading to unreliable and unsafe long-term functionality, especially when used outdoors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a radio unit for identification and compatibility testing, activated by a switching element only when the socket and plug elements are mated, ensuring that electrical energy is transmitted only after a secure connection is established, thus avoiding arc formation and enhancing user safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If signal pins are used for electrical connection, then electrical energy can be transmitted, but the signal pins corrode quickly and cannot be cleaned by strong applied current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the power contact elements. Contact elements serve only for power transmission, while identification and compatibility testing are performed separately through mechanical coupling sequences and control logic, preventing corrosion-related bridging issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the connection process into distinct phases: mechanical coupling sequence establishment, identification testing, compatibility verification, and then power transmission. This segmentation ensures that contact elements are not energized until all safety checks are complete, preventing corrosion-induced short circuits
2Productivity
If voltage is applied to contact elements before physical contact is made, then power transmission can begin, but arc formation and electric shock risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions in a specific sequence: mechanical coupling is established first, then identification testing is conducted, followed by compatibility verification, and only then is voltage applied to contact elements. This preliminary sequencing prevents arc formation and electric shock by ensuring safe connection conditions before energization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by preventing voltage application until after mechanical coupling and identification are confirmed. The control unit actively prevents premature energization that would cause arcing, and the mechanical design prevents contact element engagement before proper alignment
3Reliability
If the radio unit is permanently activated for identification testing, then identification and compatibility testing can be performed, but energy consumption increases due to permanent polling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by activating the radio unit only at specific moments: when mechanical coupling is detected and during identification testing phases. The control unit manages periodic activation based on connection status rather than continuous operation, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining identification reliability
4Productivity
If contact elements are exposed during connection, then electrical energy can be transmitted, but unauthorized access and manipulation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control unit that mediates between the mechanical coupling and power transmission. The control unit verifies identification and compatibility through radio communication before authorizing voltage application to contact elements, preventing unauthorized access while enabling legitimate power transmission
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 solution provides a permanently reliable and electrically safe connection by ensuring that contact elements are not energized until a secure physical contact is made, reducing the risk of corrosion and arcing, and preventing unauthorized access or manipulation of the socket element.
Implementation Method 1
a radio unit (24) for the transmission of radio signals for identification and compatibility testing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A female element (10), in particular a plug socket (16), for an electrical plug connection (14), having at least two electrical contact elements (20) for transmitting electrical energy is equipped with a radio unit for transmitting radio signals for identification and/or compatibility checking in respect of allowing a permanently reliable and electrically safe connection independently of the type of power supply, wherein the radio unit interacts with a controller which is used to allow the transmission of electrical energy by means of the contact elements (20), and having a switching element for activating the radio unit, wherein the switching element can be operated by plug-connecting the female element (10) to a complementary male element (12). A male element (10), an electrical plug connection (14) and also a method for producing an electrical plug connection (14) are disclosed.