Spring-Loaded Blind Electrical Connection for Motor Control Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor control systems face challenges with complex wire connections, which complicate maintenance, delay installations, and cause issues during system reconfigurations, due to limited space and the risk of cable damage or misconnection.
Innovation Solution
A method of engagement between a low voltage motor control unit and a motor control center using spring-loaded contacts that establish a blind connection with a printed circuit board, eliminating the need for additional cable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cable connections are used to connect motor control units to the motor control center, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the system complexity increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable connection function by integrating the electrical connection directly into the motor control unit housing. The housing itself becomes the connector, eliminating the need for separate cables and wireways. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable electrical connection while dramatically reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the housing structure with the electrical connection function. The housing is designed to directly engage with terminals in the motor control center, combining mechanical support and electrical connection into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate cable management systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cable connections are made for control signals and network connections, then complete functionality is achieved, but installation time increases and reconfiguration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical connections by providing separate terminal interfaces for different signal types (control signals, network connections, power) within the integrated housing. This allows complete functionality to be achieved through modular terminal engagement while enabling rapid installation by simply plugging the housing into the corresponding terminal array.
3Reliability
If cables are connected to establish electrical connections, then motor control units can be tethered to the motor control center, but the risk of cable damage increases during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes cables from the system entirely by making the housing itself electrically conductive and capable of direct terminal engagement. This eliminates the harmful factor of cable damage during insertion and removal while maintaining stable electrical connections through the housing structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wireways are used to route multiple wires for power and control signals, then complete electrical connectivity is achieved, but the space required increases and the system becomes harder to reconfigure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical connection function directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate wireways. The housing engages directly with terminals in the motor control center, achieving complete electrical connectivity while minimizing the space required by removing the wireway infrastructure.
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
This solution allows for easy and secure engagement and disengagement of motor control units with motor control centers without the need for connecting and disconnecting cables, simplifying maintenance and reducing the risk of cable damage.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded pin mounted to the printed circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A system for control of motors for industrial applications including a motor control center and motor control unit. The motor control center having at least one printed circuit board, and a motor control unit having at least one pin. At least one pin includes a barrel, a plunger, and a spring. The motor control unit is selectively insertable into the motor control center, whereas the at least one pin transitions from the first position to the second position upon insertion and the at least one pin connects to the at least one printed circuit board forming an electrical connection between the motor control center and motor control unit.