Power Connector Barrier for Tool-Free Access Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical distribution apparatuses face challenges in restricting access to electrically charged components, such as power connectors, while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly, as current solutions often require increased manufacturing and assembly costs to comply with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of barriers with engagement features and collars directly coupled to power connectors, allowing for tool-free installation and adjustment to accommodate various cable sizes, which restricts access to the connectors without increasing the device's footprint or requiring additional adjustors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If barriers are integrated directly to power connectors, then access restriction is achieved and assembly cost is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is integrated directly to the power connector through engagement features, merging two previously separate components into one unified assembly. This eliminates the need for separate barrier installation steps and reduces overall assembly cost while maintaining effective access restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier includes engagement features that automatically align and attach to the power connector without requiring external adjustment tools or one-time use adjustors. The collar and engagement features work together to self-align the barrier during installation, reducing the need for high-precision external alignment procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If barriers are made adjustable for different cable sizes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier includes a collar that can be positioned at different locations along the power connector to accommodate various cable sizes. The collar is movable along the power connector body and can be secured at different positions, providing adaptability for different cable diameters without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier design with a movable collar serves multiple functions: it restricts access to the power connector, guides cable insertion, and adapts to different cable sizes. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If barriers cover power connector openings, then safety is improved, but cable access difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier includes a collar that can be positioned to provide different levels of coverage over the power connector opening. The collar can be adjusted to cover the opening sufficiently for safety while leaving enough exposure for cable insertion. This localized adjustment allows different portions of the barrier structure to serve different functions simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device includes a power connector coupleable to a cable. The power connector includes a body defining a first opening and an interior space. The power connector is arranged to receive the cable into the interior space through the first opening. The electrical device also includes a barrier coupled to the power connector to at least partially cover the first opening. The barrier includes a wall defining a second opening. The wall contacts the body. The second opening is arranged to receive the cable therein when the cable is coupled to the power connector.