Rotating Locking Pin Connector for Secure Plug-in
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintentional disconnection and unauthorized removal, particularly in multi-pole configurations, where incorrect plugging can occur.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in device element featuring a rotatable locking pin that can switch between open and closed positions, engaging or disengaging with a complementary plug-in device element by rotating about its longitudinal axis, ensuring secure locking without spatial displacement, and optionally coupled with a sensor and electromagnet for voltage-dependent locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking pin with locking section, a plug-in collar with groove, and a sensor system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving reliable locking while keeping the overall structure manageable and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is rotatably mounted within the plug-in device element housing, with the locking section extending into the plug-in collar groove. The sensor is nested within the housing to detect the locking state. This nesting arrangement achieves reliable locking functionality while minimizing spatial requirements and maintaining compact design.
2Volume of moving object
If a rotatable locking pin is used instead of linear movement, then space required is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin only needs to rotate through a limited angular range to transition between locked and unlocked states, rather than requiring precise positioning throughout a full 360 degrees. This partial action approach reduces the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while achieving the necessary locking functionality with compact spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin's rotational movement is self-guided by its interaction with the groove in the plug-in collar. The groove geometry naturally guides the locking section into the correct position, reducing the need for externally controlled precision mechanisms and simplifying manufacturing requirements.
3Ease of operation
If automatic voltage-dependent locking is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet is activated only periodically when voltage is applied to the plug-in device, rather than continuously. The sensor detects the plugged-in state and triggers the electromagnet to rotate the locking pin into the locked position. This periodic activation achieves automatic locking convenience while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the electromagnet inactive during normal 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 effectively prevents unintentional disconnection and unauthorized removal by maintaining a compact design while ensuring robustness and stability, with the ability to automatically lock or unlock based on the plugged-in state, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the electromagnet can cause rotation of the locking pin when it is connected to an existing voltage by activation of the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The plug-in element comprises a plugging collar and a locking pin (10) which is pivoted around a longitudinal axis. A locking section (11) of the locking pin is engaged in the plugging collar in a closing position, and a recess (12) of the locking pin lies in the plugging collar in an opening position. The longitudinal axis of the locking pin runs transverse to the plugging direction of the plug-in element. An independent claim is also included for a method for locking a plugging collar of a plug-in element.