Quick Disconnect Connector With Latch-Switch Voltage Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) lack a quick-disconnect mechanism, making it time-consuming to connect and disconnect external battery packs. Additionally, there is no mechanism to ensure safety from high voltage during connection and disconnection, requiring circuit breakers that increase cost and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The development of a quick disconnect connector assembly that includes a plug with a slide and latches, and a receptacle with a contact switch and mating connector. This assembly allows for easy connection and disconnection without tools, ensuring safety by breaking voltage at the terminals before disconnecting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw connector is used to secure the cable to the UPS, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the connection and disconnection process becomes time-consuming and requires tools
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a plug with latch mechanism and a receptacle with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the connector to be quickly assembled and disassembled without tools while maintaining secure connection through the latch mechanism that engages with the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a dynamic latch mechanism that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. The latch moves between locked and unlocked positions, enabling rapid connection and disconnection while maintaining reliable connection when engaged, eliminating the need for screws and tools.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a circuit breaker is added to protect against high voltage during connection and disconnection, then user safety is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to engage before the electrical contacts make connection. This preliminary mechanical engagement ensures that the connector is securely locked before electrical power is transferred, preventing accidental disconnection and reducing the need for additional protective devices like circuit breakers.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical latch function and electrical connection function are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The latch mechanism simultaneously secures the mechanical connection and enables electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate circuit breakers and reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a latch mechanism is added to enable quick disconnect, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through a simple pull motion. When the user pulls the plug, the latch automatically disengages from the receptacle, enabling quick disconnect without requiring complex mechanisms or multiple components. The simplicity of the self-service design minimizes added complexity while maximizing ease of operation.
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 solution provides a safe, efficient, and cost-effective way to connect and disconnect external battery packs from UPSs, eliminating the need for bulky circuit breakers and meeting industry standards for manual disconnect requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The plug includes at least one compression spring, which is coupled to the slide by an arm that extends through the center of the compression spring. The other end of the at least one compression spring engages a wall formed within the plug body. The at least one compression spring is configured to bias the slide to an extended position to enable the end of the slide to engage the contact switch.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable connector includes a slide coupled to a spring to bias the slide from a retracted position to an extended position and at least one latch coupled to the slide. The slide, when in the extended position, is configured to rotate the at least one latch to secure the at least one latch, and when in the retracted position, is configured to rotate the at least one latch in an opposite direction to release the at least one latch. The slide is configured to engage a contact switch when securing the at least one latch.