Safety Switching Apparatus Plug Connector Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety switching apparatuses for electrical machines in the automation industry require multiple modules and plug connectors with different voltage strengths, leading to increased costs, complex wiring, and potential confusion during maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A safety switching apparatus with a plug connector that separates low voltage and power supply circuit connections by a minimum spacing multiple times larger than the spacing between adjacent sockets, using non-conducting material for insulation and spring-loaded sockets for easy connection, and a snap connection mechanism for tool-free insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modules with different plug connectors are used to connect signal encoders and electrical machines to the safety control, then the electrical connections can be established, but the wiring complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate plug connectors (one for signal encoder, one for electrical machine) into a single integrated plug connector that connects both devices simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of separate connections from two to one, thereby simplifying wiring and reducing complexity while maintaining all necessary electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plug connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it connects both the signal encoder and the electrical machine to the safety control unit through a unified interface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized connectors, reducing wiring complexity while preserving adaptability to different devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate plug connectors are used for different voltage circuits, then electrical connections are established, but maintenance effort and cost increase due to multiple separations required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple plug connectors for different voltage circuits (low voltage and power supply circuits) into a single integrated plug connector. During maintenance, only one connector needs to be removed to disconnect all electrical connections, significantly reducing maintenance effort compared to removing multiple separate connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plug connectors for different voltage strengths are used, then connections to both low voltage and power supply circuits are established, but confusion between connections may occur during maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The plug connector incorporates distinct spacing patterns for different voltage circuits: low voltage connector sockets are spaced at a first pitch, while power supply circuit sockets are spaced at a second pitch that is multiple times larger. This local differentiation in spacing quality allows maintenance personnel to easily distinguish between low voltage and high voltage connections, preventing confusion and ensuring safe operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate plug connectors are used, then all electrical connections can be made, but cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate plug connectors into a single integrated connector that provides all necessary electrical connections in one component. This reduces the total number of components from multiple separate connectors to one unified connector, thereby reducing cost while maintaining full electrical connection capability.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to enable a simple and secure handling on a wiring of a safety switching apparatus, a safety switching apparatus for the secure switching on and/or off of at least one electrical machine is made available that comprises at least one conductor plate having at least one control unit for controlling the electrical machine and having electrical contacts and a plug connector that can be plugged onto the conductor plate for electrically connecting to the contacts, wherein the plug connector is provided with first connector sockets for the connection of at least one signal encoder and with second connector sockets for the connection of the electrical machine.