Pluggable Contactor Coil Connector for Easier Wiring and State Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactors face issues with inconvenient and complex wiring, as well as a lack of intuitive determination of the electromagnetic coil's energization state and contact status.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable connecting device for contactors, featuring a U-shaped design with insulation connection members and conducting elements that are easily inserted into the contactor's housing, facilitating wiring and power supply to the electromagnetic coil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wiring methods are used for contactors, then the electromagnetic coil can be powered, but the wiring process becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring convenienceVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting device is divided into separate pluggable components including conducting elements with engagement portions and corresponding engagement structures in the contactor housing. This segmentation allows the wiring components to be independently installed and connected, simplifying the overall wiring process while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pluggable connecting device acts as an intermediary component between the power source and the electromagnetic coil. It includes insulation connection members and conducting elements that facilitate electrical connection while providing mechanical guidance and insulation, thereby simplifying the wiring interface and reducing wiring complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the contactor structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to intuitively determine energization state and contact status is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactor manufacturabilityVSAvoidstate detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation connection members and conducting elements incorporate visual indicators through color coding or transparent sections that allow operators to intuitively determine the energization state and contact status. For example, different colors can indicate different circuit states or connection statuses, providing immediate visual feedback without complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of operation

If a pluggable connecting device is introduced, then wiring is simplified and power supply is facilitated, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring easeVSAvoidconnecting device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pluggable connecting device merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: electrical conduction, mechanical connection, insulation, and visual indication. By combining these functions into one pluggable unit, the overall system complexity is reduced despite the enhanced functionality, as the integrated design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 pluggable connecting device simplifies wiring and power supply to the electromagnetic coil, allowing for easy monitoring of electrical signals and improving the intuitive determination of the contactor's state.

Implementation Method 1

when the electromagnetic coil of the contactor is energized, a strong magnetic field is created, so that the static iron core generates a magnetic force to attract the movable iron core

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first conducting element and a second conducting element fixedly connected to the insulation connection member; the first conducting element has an insertion end and a wiring end configured to be opposite each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3780060B1Pluggable connecting device for contactor and contactor
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 EATON ELECTRIC INC
  • EP3780060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3780060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3780060B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present utility model provides a pluggable connecting device for contactors and a contactor. The contactor includes a housing; a coil framework located in the housing and having a first connecting piece and a second connecting piece configured to be opposite each other; and an electromagnetic coil wound on the coil framework, two ends of the electromagnetic coil being electrically connected to the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece respectively. The pluggable connecting device includes an insulation connection member and a first conducting element and a second conducting element fixedly connected to the insulation connection member. The first conducting element has an insertion end and a wiring end configured to be opposite each other. The second conducting element has an insertion end and a wiring end configured to be opposite each other. The insertion end of the first conducting element and the insertion end of the second conducting element are configured to be pluggably connected to the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece respectively. The pluggable connecting device of the present utility model facilitates wiring of a contactor and monitoring of an electrical signal in an electromagnetic coil.