RJ45 Test Block With Multi-Contact Ports for Reliable Meter Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test blocks for connecting devices to power sources are complex, prone to errors, and costly due to the multitude of connections required, which increases the risk of breakdowns and false contacts.
Innovation Solution
A test block with multi-contact type input and output sockets that connect all internal electrical circuits simultaneously, allowing a single multi-contact connector to connect to the power source and device, and a Faraday cage enclosure for magnetic shielding, along with a removable cover for easy access and reduced parts handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate connectors are used to connect input sockets to power source and output sockets to device under test, then connectivity is achieved, but system complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate connectors into a single multi-contact connector that simultaneously establishes all necessary electrical connections between the power source, test block, and device under test. This merging reduces the number of connection operations from multiple separate plug-ins to a single plug-in action, thereby reducing complexity and potential connection errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-contact connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects power supply lines, signal lines, and test lines all through a single connector interface. This universal connector replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate connectors, simplifying the overall connection system while maintaining all necessary connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connectors and cables are used to establish all electrical connections, then complete connectivity is achieved, but the number of components increases leading to higher costs and increased failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate connectors and cable assemblies are merged into a single integrated multi-contact connector system. This consolidation maintains the ability to establish all necessary electrical connections while dramatically reducing the total quantity of connectors and cables from multiple separate components to one unified component.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-contact connector is designed with universal multi-functionality to handle power supply, signal transmission, and test functions all through a single connector interface, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connectors and reducing the overall component count.
3Manufacturing precision
If each input socket is connected to a single predetermined internal circuit and each output socket to a single internal circuit, then circuit specificity is maintained, but the connection process becomes error-prone and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The internal electrical circuits are pre-configured within the test block with predetermined connection mappings between input sockets, output sockets, and internal circuit paths. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the multi-contact connector is plugged in, all connections are automatically established in the correct configuration without requiring the operator to manually configure or verify each connection, thus maintaining precision while improving 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 simplifies the connection process, reduces errors, enhances reliability, and lowers the number of parts, resulting in a more robust, economical, and efficient test block with improved measurement and calibration capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The base and the protective cover include electrically conductive elements connected together and configured to ensure continuity and magnetic shielding closure such that the enclosure delimited by the base and the protective cover is a Faraday cage protecting the internal electrical circuits from external magnetic fields
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a test block intended to be installed in the circuit connecting a device under test, such as a meter or a protective relay, and a power supply for the device under test, such as a current sensor and/or a voltage sensor. The test block comprises a base (10) having a plurality of internal electrical circuits capable of transmitting information from the power supply to the device under test, and a protective cover (11) intended to be assembled with the base (10) in a removable manner to form a closed enclosure in which the internal electrical circuits are housed.The base (10) and the protective cover (11) are configured so that removing the protective cover (11) provides access to a socket (12) defined by the base (10) and suitable for plugging in a test plug (13) independent of the test block and electrically connected to test equipment, in particular a voltmeter and/or an ammeter and/or a dummy current source. A test apparatus is also described.