Round Plug Connector Shielded Cable Switching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shielded connection cables in automation systems are costly and require complex wiring configurations to prevent electromagnetic interferences, with the risk of ground loops causing signal line interferences, necessitating costly reconfiguration if interference issues arise.

Innovation Solution

A round plug connector with a movable conductive contacting element that allows for easy switching between 'shield connected' and 'shield not connected' modes, minimizing modifications to existing connectors and preventing interference impairment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If shielded connection cables are used to prevent electromagnetic interferences, then system reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shielding connection state changeable rather than fixed. A movable contacting element allows the shield to be dynamically connected or disconnected from the reference potential during system operation, enabling adaptation to different electromagnetic interference conditions without requiring different cable versions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of shielding connection state from fixed to variable. By allowing the shield connection status to be adjusted between connected and disconnected states, the system can optimize performance for different operational conditions while using a single cable design, reducing overall cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the shield is connected to both ends of the cable to suppress magnetic interferences, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but the risk of ground loops increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidground loop risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the shield connection configuration dynamic rather than static. The movable contacting element enables the system to switch between single-end grounding (reducing ground loop risk) and dual-end grounding (improving magnetic shielding) based on actual operational needs, allowing optimization of both parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If different cable versions are provided for different shielding concepts, then adaptability to different interference conditions is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshielding concept adaptabilityVSAvoidcable version complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single round plug connector that can perform multiple shielding functions. The movable contacting element enables one cable version to implement different shielding concepts (connected, disconnected, or selectively connected) depending on the position of the contacting element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cable versions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamics to enable a single cable design to adapt to different shielding requirements. The movable contacting element allows the shield connection state to be changed during operation, providing the flexibility of multiple cable versions while maintaining a single standardized design for manufacturing and inventory.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If shielding wiring is configured before system startup, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but the ability to optimize shielding performance after system deployment is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiring configuration simplicityVSAvoidpost-deployment optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics into the shielding configuration by providing a movable contacting element that can be adjusted after system deployment. This allows the shielding performance to be optimized based on actual operational conditions while maintaining a simple standardized wiring structure during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables cost-effective and efficient adaptation of shielding concepts during system operation, reducing the risk of electromagnetic interference and ground loops, thereby optimizing system functionality without extensive reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

shielded connection cables which are significantly more expensive than unshielded cables. The shielded connection cables normally have cable shields made of a non-magnetic material, like copper or aluminum.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

The interferences may be inductive, or capacitive, or galvanic interferences. The cable shields frequently consist of braided individual shields which are composed of sets of wires that are interwoven in opposite directions.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference suppression: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8979591B2Round plug connector with shielded connection cable
Publication Date: 2015.03.17 IFM ELECTRONIC GMBH
  • US8979591B2 patent drawing
  • US8979591B2 patent drawing
  • US8979591B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In a round plug connector, the screen ends at the plug-side end of the grip body, is provided. An axially moveable contact-making element is arranged on a screw element, it being possible for the contact-making element to assume two positions. The first position is “screen applied”. The second position is “screen not applied”.