Rail-Mounted Plug-In Socket With Interlocked Contact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in socket systems for rail-mounted devices lack adequate safety measures against accidental contact with live parts, are prone to faults due to numerous electrical components, and require complex disassembly for maintenance, hindering quick maintenance and expansion of live electrical systems.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in socket system with a protective conductor terminal and an electrically insulating protective part that allows devices to be plugged in and removed safely without additional protective equipment, featuring interlocks and locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating plates are used to cover unused slots, then contact protection is provided, but the system cannot recognize whether it is operating with or without the insulating plates, so there is no safe way to protect against contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the presence or absence of insulating plates and provides feedback signals to indicate the current safety status. This allows the system to recognize whether protection is active and alert operators accordingly, resolving the contradiction between providing physical protection and enabling safety recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs color-coded indicators or lighting elements that change color or illuminate to visually communicate the safety status. When insulating plates are properly installed, the system displays a safe color (e.g., green), while their absence triggers a warning color (e.g., red), making the safety state immediately recognizable.
2Ease of repair
If the rail housing is completely dismantled to gain access to current-carrying rails, then maintenance can be performed, but power must be mechanically cut off first, increasing unavailability times
Solution Approach 1:
The rail housing is divided into modular sections that can be independently accessed. Instead of complete disassembly, technicians can remove only the specific panel or section containing the target component, allowing maintenance while other parts remain installed and operational, thus reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates pre-configured access points, quick-release latches, or pre-assembled maintenance modules that are prepared in advance. This allows maintenance personnel to quickly access current-carrying rails without lengthy disassembly procedures, minimizing the time the system remains unavailable.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cover plates are placed on busbars to protect against contact, then protection is provided when plates are attached, but plates can be easily removed, so any technician can come into contact with live parts
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plates incorporate interlocking mechanisms or locking features that are pre-configured to automatically engage when the plate is installed. This preliminary design ensures that proper installation inherently provides secure protection, while removal requires deliberate action through designated release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary locking mechanisms, such as cam locks, bayonet mounts, or tool-required fasteners, between the cover plate and the busbar assembly. These intermediaries provide secure attachment that prevents accidental or unauthorized removal while still allowing controlled access when needed.
4Ease of operation
If multiple electrical parts and components are included in the adapter, then electrical contact functionality is achieved, but the system becomes susceptible to faults and incurs costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple electrical functions into a single unified adapter assembly. By combining electrical contacts, latching mechanisms, and alignment features into one pre-assembled unit, the system reduces the total number of separate components that could fail, while maintaining full electrical contact functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides electrical contact, mechanical latching, alignment, and protection functions. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing complexity and fault susceptibility while achieving all necessary electrical contact capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plug-in socket system (100) for one or more rail-mounted devices (400, 600, 610) to be releasably fastened to an advantageously designed electrically conducive mounting rail that can be connected to the ground and acts as a protective conductor (FIG. 9A).