Rotary Electrical Socket Locking Mechanism for Unauthorized Disconnection Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Publicly accessible electrical connectors for pluggable connections, such as those used in street lighting, are vulnerable to unauthorized disconnection, posing safety risks and incurring costs for maintenance authorities, and must operate in harsh weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An improved socket design with a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized disconnection by allowing relative rotation of the plug and socket, featuring a latching system operable only from behind the socket frontplate, providing a secure and weatherproof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pluggable electrical connector is made easily connectable and disconnectable for repeated use, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The connector employs a dynamic locking mechanism that transitions from a locked state (preventing disconnection) to an unlocked state (allowing removal). The locking member can move between engaged and disengaged positions, providing both security during operation and controlled accessibility when needed by authorized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking member acts as an intermediary element between the plug and socket, physically preventing the plug from being pulled away from the socket. This intermediate component mediates between the conflicting requirements of easy removal and secure retention, allowing the connector to maintain reliability while preserving operational functionality.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the insertion motion itself. As the plug is inserted into the socket, the locking member automatically moves into the locked position without requiring separate locking actions or complex control systems. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic locking systems with a simple mechanical locking member that uses the physical insertion motion to engage the lock. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for motors, sensors, or electronic controls, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability function.
3Ease of operation
If electrical contacts are exposed for easy plugging, then ease of operation is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to weather exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within the socket housing, which provides protection from weather elements. The plug inserts into this protected space, allowing electrical connection to be made without exposing the contacts to external environmental factors such as rain, dust, or extreme temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing member (grommet) made of flexible material is positioned around the plug insertion path, creating a weatherproof barrier. This flexible shell allows the plug to pass through while blocking environmental contaminants and moisture from reaching the electrical contacts, thus protecting them from harmful weather factors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A socket (1) comprises a plurality of contacts (10, 11, 12 and 20, 21, 22) arranged for electrical connection with a plug (2, 2'), electrical connection between the plug and socket being made by insertion of the plug into the socket and subsequent relative rotation (9R) of the plug and socket about a common axis (9A), at least a first electrical contact (10, 11, 12) having a contact face (14, 14', 14") in a plane (1P, 1P', 1P") substantially parallel to the common axis (9A), and at least a second electrical contact (20, 21, 22) having a contact face (24, 24', 24") in a plane (1Q) substantially perpendicular to the common axis (9A). Each of the said contact faces arranged for making electrical contact with the plug (2, 2').