Touch Proof End Cap for Conducting Connector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrical connectors pose a risk of inadvertent electrical contact when exposed, leading to undesirable connections with people or devices.

Innovation Solution

A touch-proof connector design featuring a non-conducting end cap with a snap-fit mechanism and alignment protuberances to secure over a conducting tip, preventing accidental contact by creating a flush exterior surface and ensuring secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the conducting body portion is exposed to facilitate electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but the risk of inadvertent electrical contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidinadvertent electrical contact risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating end cap is introduced as an intermediary component between the exposed conducting body portion and the environment. The end cap features an opening that allows the conductor to extend through while providing electrical insulation, thus maintaining electrical connectivity while blocking harmful inadvertent contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector is divided into distinct functional segments: the conducting body portion for electrical connection and the insulating end cap for safety. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function - the conductor provides electrical pathway while the insulating cap provides protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If an insulating end cap is added to prevent inadvertent contact, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinadvertent electrical contact riskVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap integrates multiple functions into a single component: electrical insulation, mechanical retention of the conductor through the opening, and structural support. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end cap serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it insulates the conductor, provides a mounting structure for the opening, and can incorporate additional features like alignment elements or sealing surfaces. This multi-functionality reduces the total component count and simplifies the connector design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9331416B2Touch proof end cap for a leading end of a conducting connector

Publication Date: 2016.05.03 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A touch proof connector is contemplated. The connector may be comprised of a conducting body with a non-conducting end cap. The touch-proof connector may be included within a charging receptacle of a vehicle to facilitate establishing electrical connection with a connector assembly of a plug-in charging system. The non-conducting end cap may be configured to facilitate insulating a tip of the touch-proof connector from human contact.