Rotatable Phase Selection Element for Multiphase Cable Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connection devices for multiphase flat cables require complex constructions and are not optimal for flexible phase selection during installation, often requiring additional space and piercing multiple phase conductors, which can lead to insulation damage.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a rotatable phase selection element in 120° symmetry, featuring an eccentrically arranged tapping device that allows phase selection in three predetermined positions, ensuring only the selected phase wire is contacted without removing insulation, using a complementary design between the phase selector and receptacle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a contact slide is used for phase selection, then phase selection is possible, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less optimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase selection capabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rotatable phase selection element that can dynamically change its angular position to select different phase conductors. This rotational mechanism replaces static contact slides with a dynamic, reconfigurable system that achieves phase selection through angular positioning rather than linear displacement, simplifying the overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The phase selection element is divided into three distinct angular positions corresponding to three phase conductors. This segmentation allows the single rotatable element to selectively contact different phases without requiring multiple separate contact mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple phase conductors are pierced for connection, then connection flexibility is improved, but insulation damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection flexibilityVSAvoidinsulation damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the phase selection function from the connection-making process. By using a rotatable element that contacts only the selected phase conductor, the system avoids piercing non-selected conductors, thereby preventing insulation damage while maintaining connection flexibility for different phase configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable phase selection element acts as an intermediary between the connection device and the phase conductors. It selectively establishes contact with only the required phase conductor through rotational positioning, preventing direct piercing of insulation on non-selected conductors while still providing flexible connection options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If three different prefabricated connection devices are provided for each phase, then phase selection capability is achieved, but the device complexity and installation effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase selection capabilityVSAvoidnumber of device types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal connection device with a rotatable phase selection element that can adapt to connect with any of the three phase conductors. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for three separate phase-specific devices, reducing inventory complexity and installation effort while maintaining full phase selection capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable phase selection element provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the single device type to configure itself for different phase connections during installation. This eliminates the need for multiple static device variants, simplifying both storage and installation processes while preserving the ability to select any phase conductor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a linearly displaced contact slide is used, then phase selection is possible, but additional space requirements arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephase selection capabilityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear displacement (one-dimensional movement) to rotational displacement (angular movement in two dimensions). The rotatable phase selection element achieves phase selection through angular positioning around a central axis, eliminating the need for additional linear space that would be required for a contact slide mechanism.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2190070B1Connection device with phase selection
Publication Date: 2011.03.16 WOERTZ
  • EP2190070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2190070B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2190070B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The connection device (1) has a rotating phase-selection element (2) and a receptacle for the phase-selection element, where a tapping unit is arranged in an eccentric arrangement on the phase selection element. The phase-selection element and receptacle are formed complementary to each other, where a phase selection is possible in three-rotational positions of the phase selection element.