Rotatable Connector Assembly for Circulator Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical connection assemblies for circulators in heating plants lack flexibility in connector orientation, making installation difficult due to space constraints, and personalizing orientations increases production costs.

Innovation Solution

An electrical connection assembly with a connector lid and support system using bayonet coupling and locking means, allowing external connectors to be rotated and fixed in various positions relative to the circulator's main axis, enabling flexible orientation and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard connectors are used with fixed orientations, then production costs are reduced, but installation flexibility and ease of connection are worsened due to space constraints and obstruction by other components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector orientation flexibilityVSAvoidconnection assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly incorporates rotatable connectors that can be oriented in multiple positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) relative to the circulator axis, transforming a static fixed-orientation design into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows installation flexibility without requiring multiple different connector types, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single standardized connector assembly design serves multiple orientation requirements through rotational capability. Instead of creating specialized connectors for each orientation, the universal design with rotatable elements provides multi-functional adaptability, reducing overall system complexity while improving installation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If connectors are made accessible and unobstructed, then ease of operation during installation is improved, but device dimensions and housing space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector accessibilityVSAvoidconnector housing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly utilizes the rotational dimension to provide multiple access orientations. Connectors can be positioned at 0°, 45°, 90°, or 135° angles, allowing installation personnel to access connectors from different directions depending on spatial constraints, thereby improving ease of operation without necessarily increasing housing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If connector orientation is personalized for each installation, then ease of operation is improved, but production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal connector assembly design with rotatable elements replaces the need for multiple personalized connector variants. The standardized design maintains ease of installation through rotational adjustability while significantly simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production costs compared to creating custom-oriented connectors for each installation scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3240122B1Electrical connection assembly for an electronic circulator
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 TACO ITAL SRL
  • EP3240122B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3240122B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3240122B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Electrical connection assembly for a circulator, comprising a connector housing (1) formed by a connector lid (2) removably associated with a connector support (3), said connector housing (1) being coupled to a circulator (90), characterized in that said lid (3) comprises at least one connection hole (21) which receives, engaged therein by means of a bayonet coupling, an external connector (4) which has an elbow-shaped configuration and is able to snap-rotate assuming a given plurality of positions depending on the desired orientation; means (41, 42) for engagement with the hole (21) being arranged on the external connector (4) so as to cooperate with locking means (31) provided inside the support (3) so as to lock the external connector (4) in a predetermined fixed position when the lid (2) is associated with the support (3).