Protective Cover Fitting Detection via Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective cover structures for electric components require complex configurations and additional holes for signal wires to detect the fitting of a protective cover, compromising waterproofing and dustproofing.
Innovation Solution
A protective cover structure with a fitting detecting connector divided into a receptacle connector and an insertion/extraction connector, where the insertion/extraction connector is molded with the protective cover and automatically fits into the receptacle connector, allowing signal wires to be drawn out without needing a hole in the case wall, while maintaining waterproofing and dustproofing through a hood portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If signal wires are drawn out through a hole in the case wall to detect protective cover fitting, then the fitting detection function is achieved, but the waterproofing and dustproofing of the case is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the protective cover and the case. The detection is achieved through magnetic interaction across the wall thickness without physical penetration, allowing signal transmission while maintaining the integrity of the waterproof and dustproof structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wire-pulling method with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of physically drawing wires through the case wall, the system uses magnetic coupling to transmit detection signals, eliminating the need for penetrating holes and preserving the sealed structure
2Measurement precision
If a complex interlock mechanism with short-circuit pins and fitting detecting connectors is used to detect protective cover fitting, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from the complex mechanical interlock mechanism and implements it independently through magnetic coupling. This separates the detection system from the protective cover structure, simplifying the overall design while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from mechanical contact (physical connection) to magnetic field interaction. This parameter change enables non-contact detection, reducing mechanical complexity while preserving the ability to accurately detect protective cover fitting status
Data Source
AI summary
A protective cover structure includes a protective cover that is fitted to an assembly work opening disposed in a wall of a case in which electric components are accommodated, thereby closing the opening, and a fitting detecting connector that detects that the protective cover is fitted to the assembly work opening. The fitting detecting connector includes a receptacle connector which is fixed to an interior of the case and an insertion/extraction connector which is disposed on the protective cover in a mutually insertable/extractable manner while being opposed to the receptacle connector. The receptacle connector includes a tubular housing and fitting detecting conductors in the tubular housing. The insertion/extraction connector holds a pair of detecting electrodes which are electrically conductible with the fitting detecting conductors, and is molded integrally with the protective cover.