Swiveling Contact Spring for Shielding and Earthing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact systems lack an effective mechanism for protecting contact springs from damage and providing additional earthing connections for shielding, which compromises their ability to shield electrical conductors against interference effectively.
Innovation Solution
A contact system comprising a first contact housing with a contact spring and an actuating unit that can be swiveled between positions, where in the first position the contact spring is protected and in the second position it forms an electrical contact with a shielding contact, providing an additional earthing connection and preventing foreign body penetration through apertures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the contact spring is exposed for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but the contact spring is vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The contact device is divided into two functional units: a first contact housing containing the contact spring, and a second contact housing containing the shielding contact. These units can be separated or connected, allowing the contact spring to be protected when not in use while remaining accessible when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit can be swiveled between a first position (where the contact spring is protected inside the first contact housing) and a second position (where the contact spring is pressed against the shielding contact). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between protection and operation states.
2Reliability
If additional earthing connections are provided for shielding, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated contact device: the contact spring provides both electrical contact and earthing connection, while the actuating unit simultaneously protects the contact spring and enables connection to the shielding contact. This merging avoids the need for separate protective housings and earthing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact spring serves multiple functions: it provides electrical contact, establishes earthing connection, and works with the actuating unit to enable both protection and connection modes. The actuating unit itself is multi-functional, providing both mechanical protection and connection actuation.
3Ease of operation
If the contact spring is always accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but foreign bodies can penetrate and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit is designed to preliminarily protect the contact spring by keeping it retracted inside the first contact housing when not in use. The apertures in the first contact housing are positioned and sized to prevent foreign bodies from reaching the contact spring while still allowing the actuating unit to access and press the contact spring when needed.
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 the contact spring is protected from damage and forms a reliable electrical contact, enhancing the shielding of electrical conductors by providing an additional earthing connection, thereby improving interference protection and ensuring secure fastening of the contact devices.
Implementation Method 1
the actuating unit presses the contact spring onto the shielding contact and the contact spring forms an electrical contact with the shielding contact
Implementation Method 2
The contact element has a contact spring, it being possible for the actuating unit to be swivelled between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the contact spring is arranged in the first contact receptacle. In the second position, the actuating unit adjoins the contact spring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a contact device and a contact system, wherein the contact device has a first contact housing, an actuating unit and a contact element, wherein the contact element can be electrically connected to an earthing line, wherein the first contact housing has a first contact receptacle and is connected to the actuating unit, wherein the contact element is arranged in the first contact receptacle, wherein the contact element has at least one contact spring, wherein the actuating unit can be swivelled between a first position and a second position which is different from the first position, wherein, in the first position, the contact spring is arranged in the first contact receptacle, wherein, in the second position, the actuating unit adjoins the contact spring, wherein the contact spring is swivelled at least partially out of the first contact receptacle, wherein the contact spring is formed to contact a shielding contact of the further contact device.