Terminal Post Circuit Testing with Multi-Functional Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-voltage systems, testing electrical devices such as grid protection relays and meters requires multiple plugs, leading to cumbersome handling and safety issues due to the need to disconnect and reconnect circuits, and existing solutions lack finger protection and efficient plug management.
Innovation Solution
A pole strip with electrically non-conductive plug tongues for opening circuits and a sliding cover system, along with distinct coding for different plug types to prevent interchangeability, allows for selective circuit testing with fewer plugs and improved safety through a dust-proof cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plugs are used for testing different circuits, then circuit testing capability is improved, but handling complexity and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple plug functions into a single multi-functional plug. The plug can be configured with different conductive lamellae arrangements to test various circuits (converter circuits, voltage transformer circuits, tripping circuits, signaling circuits) without requiring separate plugs for each circuit type, thereby reducing handling complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed as a universal testing tool that can adapt to different circuit testing requirements. By incorporating selectable conductive lamellae that can be positioned to create different circuit configurations (short-circuiting, disconnecting, or connecting various circuits), a single plug performs the functions of multiple specialized plugs
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are used for circuit switching, then circuit reconfiguration is improved, but finger safety and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the plug with insulated body and conductive lamellae) that mediates circuit switching operations. Instead of directly manipulating switches that expose live contacts, the plug provides an insulated interface where conductive lamellae make controlled contact with pole tongues, eliminating direct finger exposure to live parts while enabling circuit reconfiguration
3Manufacturing precision
If pole openings are encoded, then plug-circuit matching is improved, but plug management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized coding features (colored bands or markings) on specific portions of the plug and corresponding pole openings. This local quality approach provides sufficient differentiation for correct matching without requiring complex encoding systems across the entire plug structure, thereby maintaining simple plug management while ensuring accurate plug-circuit matching
Data Source
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AI summary
The terminal block (1) comprises several terminal ports (5,6) arranged side by side. Each terminal port is provided with two contacting terminal tongues for closing an electric circuit. A plug (20) comprises at least one electrically non-conductive plug tongue (22) which disconnects the terminal tongues to open the electric circuit. A plug (30) with two plug tongues (32), short circuits an electric converter circuit upon insertion into its terminal port.