Pressure-Sensing Electric Connector for Disengagement Warning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric connectors lack protection against unintended manipulation, which can lead to unsafe situations such as sparking, arcing, or burning, particularly in applications where they are not safeguarded against accidental loosening or manipulation under load.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure-sensitive surface and a pressure sensor to detect pressure changes, with an optional alarm unit that alerts operators to potential disengagement and can interrupt power supply to prevent accidents, along with a locking feature to ensure secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensor and alarm unit are added to detect manipulation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is installed on the locking feature to detect pressure changes before unintended disengagement occurs. The alarm unit is pre-configured to trigger at predetermined pressure thresholds, providing advance warning of potential manipulation or loosening events, allowing corrective action before dangerous situations develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors the pressure state of the locking feature and provides real-time feedback to the alarm unit. When pressure changes indicate manipulation or loosening, the system immediately responds by activating the alarm, creating a closed-loop monitoring system that enhances connector reliability through continuous surveillance and immediate response.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alarm unit interrupts power supply to prevent accidents, then safety is improved, but loss of information may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm unit selectively interrupts only the power supply function when manipulation is detected, while potentially leaving data transmission channels intact if they are separate. This partial action approach stops the harmful effect (sparking under load) without completely shutting down all connector functions, minimizing information loss while ensuring safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides advance warning through the alarm unit before complete power interruption occurs. This gives operators time to take protective measures or save critical data before the power supply is cut off, cushioning against the potential loss of information while still preventing the harmful sparking condition.
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
Enhances the reliability of electric connectors by preventing unintended disengagement and ensuring safe operation through real-time pressure monitoring and alert systems, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining connector functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor being configured to detect a pressure acting on the pressure sensitive surface and to output a signal in response to the detection of pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an electric connector (1). The electric connector (1) comprises at least one pressure sensitive surface (2) and at least one pressure sensor (4) being configured to detect a pressure acting on the at least one pressure sensitive surface (2) and to output a signal (3) in response to the detection of pressure on the at least one pressure sensitive surface (2).