Secure Electrical Connection Device with Pilot Circuit Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-power electrical connection devices face challenges in safely connecting and disconnecting power contacts without energization to prevent electric arcs, as the actuator used for the pilot circuit also serves as a locking mechanism, complicating the process and potentially allowing power-up before complete connection.
Innovation Solution
A secure electrical connection device with a separate, mobile locking mechanism for the base that is actuated by the pilot circuit, ensuring the pilot circuit is closed only after power contacts are connected and open before disconnection, using a rotary shunt and conjugate locking means to prevent power-up until complete connection and ensure safe disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the actuator for the pilot circuit also serves as a locking mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of safe connection/disconnection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented from the actuator and assigned to a dedicated mobile locking means. This separation ensures that the locking mechanism operates independently and reliably, while the actuator focuses solely on controlling the pilot circuit. The locking means can be in a locked position or an unlocked position, providing clear state separation that enhances safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile locking means acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the plug-base connection. It receives control signals from the actuator (which is controlled by the pilot circuit) and executes the locking or unlocking action. This intermediary ensures that the connection is only locked when the pilot circuit confirms proper connection conditions, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the pilot circuit is closed before power contacts are connected, then the base can be powered up earlier, but electric arcs may occur during connection
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification through the pilot circuit before closing the main power circuit. The pilot circuit is closed first to verify that the plug is properly connected to the base, and only after this verification does the actuator close the pilot circuit and enable power-up. This preliminary action ensures that power contacts are connected before energization, preventing electric arcs.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot circuit provides feedback about the connection status to the actuator. The actuator monitors the pilot circuit state and only closes the main power circuit when the pilot circuit confirms proper connection. This feedback mechanism ensures that the base is powered up only when the plug is fully connected, eliminating the risk of electric arcs during connection.
3Device complexity
If the locking means is fixed in position, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but it cannot adapt to different connection states
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means is designed to be mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a locked position and an unlocked position. This dynamic capability enables the locking mechanism to adapt to different connection states: it locks when the pilot circuit confirms proper connection and unlocks when the connection is interrupted or needs to be reset. The mobility of the locking means provides the necessary adaptability while maintaining relatively simple construction.
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 ensures that power contacts are connected and disconnected while de-energized, preventing electric arcs and ensuring the base is not powered until the plug is fully connected, and can only be disconnected manually after power-up, enhancing safety and security.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic means is provided to urge the hook towards its locking position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical connection device formed of an active base (2) and a plug (1), pilot contacts of a pilot circuit being provided for controlling an apparatus by switching the same on or off, respectively, the power contacts of the base by means of an actuator (10) set up on the base while a device (11, 12; 14), for locking and unlocking the plug into the base in a connection position, is also provided. The device according to the invention is particularly remarkable in that a means (11; 12) for locking the base separately from the actuator (10) is movably mounted, the actuator (10) of the pilot circuit being set up to secure said base locking means in the locked position thereof when said pilot circuit is closed and release the locking means when the pilot circuit is open, while the base locking means prevents all operations for coupling the plug and the base, or for separating the latter once coupled, when said locking means is secured in the locked position thereof by said actuator (10).