Swivel Holder Plug Connection for Unobstructed Sliding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices with plug connections face challenges in establishing connections without impeding the sliding movement of device parts, especially in applications with limited space and the need for easy handling, such as banknote containers, where lateral plug connections are inconvenient and obstruct handling.

Innovation Solution

A plug connection is established laterally with one element countersunk in its device part and the other moved out of the motion range, allowing unimpeded sliding until engagement by spring force, and disconnection upon separation, minimizing space requirements and maintaining guidance properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a lateral plug connection is used to minimize space requirements, then the space usage is reduced, but the handling of the device becomes obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connecting element is designed to be movable relative to its device part, transitioning between a retracted position (during sliding/handling) and an engaging position (during plug connection). This dynamic positioning allows the plug element to be out of the way during handling operations while still providing lateral connection functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The plug connecting element is positioned in advance to be retracted from the lateral area before the device parts are brought together for handling or maintenance. This preliminary positioning ensures that the plug connection does not obstruct the handling of the device parts while maintaining the capability for electrical connection when the parts are in their final assembled position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If plug connecting elements are arranged laterally to avoid obstructing sliding movement, then the guiding properties are maintained, but the connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding movementVSAvoidcontact reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The movable plug connecting element dynamically transitions from a retracted position (during sliding) to an engaging position (during connection). This ensures that the lateral plug connection only becomes active when the device parts are in their final assembled position, maintaining both sliding freedom and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable holder acts as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the sliding movement requirement and the plug connection requirement. It allows the plug connecting element to be temporarily displaced during sliding and then automatically positioned for reliable connection when the parts are assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the plug connecting element is made movable to allow free sliding, then the handling is unobstructed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovehandlingVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug connecting element is made movable through a simple mechanical linkage or spring mechanism that allows it to retract and engage automatically during the sliding and assembly process. This dynamic mechanism provides unobstructed handling while maintaining connection reliability without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable plug connecting element is designed to automatically retract and engage through the motion of the device parts themselves, without requiring external actuators or complex control mechanisms. The sliding movement of the device parts directly drives the retraction and engagement of the plug element, making the system self-servicing and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 ensures reliable contact with minimal space usage and unobstructed handling by allowing device parts to slide freely until connection, then engaging securely, and separating without hindrance, addressing the issue of space constraints and handling complexity.

Implementation Method 1

allows an unimpeded sliding movement of the two device parts relative to each other until, when moved further, it engages into the recess of the second device part by the spring force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8579642B2Device for producing and removing an electrical plug connection
Publication Date: 2013.11.12 DIEBOLD NIXDORF SYST GMBH
  • US8579642B2 patent drawing
  • US8579642B2 patent drawing
  • US8579642B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One plug connecting element is mounted on its device part in a side wall of a recess. The other plug connecting element is mounted on a swivel holder. When the one device part is inserted into the other device part, the swivel initially pushes the other plug out of the way of the one device part as it is being inserted. Further insertion causes the swivel holder to move the other plug into the recess in a position to mate with the one plug.