Switched PoE Connector Latch for Arc-Free Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PoE standards lack a protocol to safely de-energize the electrical path without causing arcing or spark damage when disconnecting powered devices from power sourcing equipment, leading to contact damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a switching component, such as a micro-switch or pressure switch, that de-energizes the electrical path upon relative movement between the plug and jack before physical disengagement, preventing arcing by moving to an open state before contact disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PoE power is continuously supplied to the electrical path, then powered devices can operate without interruption, but arcing and spark damage occur during disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The switching component is actuated in advance before the plug and jack are physically disconnected to de-energize the electrical path. This preliminary action prevents arcing and spark damage by ensuring the circuit is already open when the physical disconnection occurs, eliminating the harmful effects of breaking the circuit under load.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a switching component is added to de-energize the electrical path, then arcing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching component is integrated into the existing connector assembly, merging the switching function with the plug and jack structure. This consolidation adds the necessary de-energizing capability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by utilizing shared components and compact integration.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the switching component actuates before physical disengagement, then contact lifespan is extended, but the disconnection protocol becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical disconnection protocols with a simpler switching mechanism that can be actuated by various means (mechanical, electrical, or magnetic). This substitution extends connector lifespan by preventing arcing while simplifying the overall disconnection process, as the switching component handles the de-energizing function without requiring complex multi-step mechanical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An arc prevention system including a jack having a receptacle, a modular connector sized to be positioned in the receptacle of the jack, the modular connector including a plurality of contacts, with at least two of the contacts creating an energized electrical path with an external power source in electrical communication with the external power source, a latch extending from a top surface of the modular connector, a switching unit positioned on the latch, a plug unit positioned between the latch and the jack that prevents the modular connector from moving out of the receptacle, a control circuit in electrical communication with switch and the at least two energized contacts, where the electrical path between the control circuit and the switching unit is energized when the plug engages the switching unit on the latch, and the control circuit adjusts the energized electrical path to a predetermined electrical level.