Rotary Bezel Closure Device for Electrical Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-in device systems lack a secure and robust mechanism for authorized access control, particularly in confined spaces, as they rely on manual operation of hinged covers which can be vulnerable to misuse or accidental contact with live components.
Innovation Solution
A closure device with a rotatably mounted bezel and a shutter system that engages in a rotationally-fixed manner, converting rotational movement of the bezel into shutter movement to control access, featuring locking and safety mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, including a combination of teeth and racks for linear movement and perpendicular contact points to block direct manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinged cover is used to protect the plug-in device element, then protection against dirt, moisture and accidental contact is improved, but the device complexity increases and manual operation is required
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is divided into functionally independent components: a rotatable bezel for access control and a shutter mechanism for physical protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall structure compared to a complex hinged cover system.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is extracted from the plug-in device element itself and implemented as a separate closure device with a shutter. This shutter can be moved independently to provide protection without requiring the entire plug-in device to be covered by a complex hinged structure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a hinged cover is used, then protection is provided, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual movement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is designed to be self-operating through the coupling mechanism. When the second plug-in device element is inserted into the first, the insertion motion automatically triggers the shutter to open via the coupling device, eliminating the need for separate manual operation. The system serves itself by using the insertion action to both engage the connector and open the protective shutter.
3Ease of operation
If access control is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The bezel is designed with an asymmetric geometric shape that does not match arbitrary objects. Only the complementary second plug-in device element with the matching asymmetric contour can engage with the bezel in a rotationally-fixed manner. This asymmetric design ensures that only authorized elements can operate the closure device, preventing misuse while maintaining ease of operation for the correct element.
Solution Approach 2:
The bezel acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the shutter. It mediates the access control function by requiring a specific engagement geometry before the shutter can be opened. This intermediary layer adds reliability to the access control system without complicating the operation for authorized users.
4Reliability
If a rotationally-fixed engagement is required, then reliability of access control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotationally-fixed engagement is achieved through simple asymmetric geometric shapes on the bezel and the second plug-in device element. The non-circular outside contour of the bezel matches the corresponding inside contour of the plug-in element, creating a form-fit connection that prevents rotation. This asymmetric geometry provides reliable access control without requiring complex locking mechanisms, multiple components, or intricate assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug-in device system has a closure unit blocking access to a first plug-in device element, for example a socket. The closure unit includes a rotary bezel which is coupled via a coupling to at least one shutter such that the rotation of the bezel effects a movement of the shutter from a closed position in an open position. Preferably, a locking assembly is additionally provided, which blocks movement of the rotary bezel and/or shutter in the closed position as long as no pressure is applied to the shutter. In addition, a safety device can be provided, which prevents the shutter from opening when a direct force is applied.