Modular Test Plug Adapter With Elastic Reception Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test plug adapters are complex and costly to manufacture, limiting their versatility as they are typically designed for a single type of plug diameter, requiring multiple adapters for different diameters and shapes, leading to high operational costs and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A modular adapter design featuring a conductive member with complementary fastening means and a protective insulating sleeve, allowing for the adaptation of test plugs of various diameters through elastic deformation and adjustable reception zones, reducing the need for multiple adapters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a one-piece adapter structure is used, then the adapter is simple in design, but it is complicated to manufacture and has high manufacturing costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadapter structureVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter is divided into multiple separate elements (first element, second element, third element) that can be manufactured independently and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each element to be produced using simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing processes while maintaining the overall structural integrity and functionality of the adapter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If an adapter is designed for a single test plug diameter, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but multiple adapters are required for different diameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidtest plug diameter compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter elements are designed with complementary fastening means and elastic deformation capabilities that allow a single adapter design to accommodate test plugs of various diameters. The first and second elements can elastically deform to adjust to different plug sizes, while the third element provides universal electrical contact, making the adapter versatile across multiple plug types without requiring separate adapters for each diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter incorporates elastic deformation mechanisms in the first and second elements, allowing them to dynamically adjust their shape and size to fit different test plug diameters. This dynamic adaptability enables a single static adapter structure to serve multiple functions across varying plug dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple adapters are provided for different test plug types, then each adapter can be optimized for its specific plug type, but the operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplug type optimizationVSAvoidoperator complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter design integrates multiple functional elements that work together to provide universal compatibility. The first element with its fastening means, the second element with complementary fastening, and the third element for electrical contact create a system that can reliably accommodate various test plug types while maintaining optimized electrical connection and mechanical fastening for each type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 adapter enables the efficient connection of multiple test plug sizes and shapes, reducing manufacturing costs and operational complexity by allowing a single adapter to accommodate different diameters and shapes, thereby simplifying operator needs.

Implementation Method 1

a protective sleeve made of insulating material and at least partially surrounding the electrically conductive member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

The first and second elements are elastic and the reception portions are movable relative to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2120243B1Adapter for test plug
Publication Date: 2015.01.14 ABB FRANCE SAS
  • EP2120243B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2120243B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP2120243B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The adapter has an electric conductor mechanism comprising testing card containing devices, and a protective sleeve device (13) electrically touching an electric conducting strip (14) of an electric device (15). The electric conductor mechanism connects a testing card (2) with the electric conducting strip of the electric device. The containing devices comprise two semi-cylindrical shaped containing parts that are moved relative to each other for forming a containing area of the card. The electric conductor mechanism comprises components separated from each other.