Touch-Proof Plug Screw With Modular Insulating Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing touch-proof screws for high-voltage plug connections are not flexible and require specific geometric adaptations for different vehicle and battery configurations, limiting their applicability and requiring multiple tools for varying lengths.
Innovation Solution
A two-part screw system comprising a screw body and a touch protection element with a connecting device, allowing for flexible use of standardized screws with a connecting element at the screw tip, where the touch protection element can be independently adapted for different geometries and can be connected via positive-fit, frictional, or adhesive bonds, ensuring robust and safe handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standardized screw is used for all applications, then manufacturing simplicity and cost are improved, but adaptability to different vehicle and battery configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The screw is divided into two independent parts: a standardized screw body and a separate touch protection element with geometry-specific features. This segmentation allows the screw body to remain standardized for easy manufacturing, while the touch protection element can be adapted to different geometries for various vehicle and battery configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized screw body serves as a universal component that can be used across different applications. By combining it with different touch protection elements, the same screw body can adapt to multiple geometries and configurations, achieving multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized screw designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different geometric adaptations are made for each application, then adaptability to different geometries is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing variety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the geometry-specific functions into the touch protection element while keeping the screw body standardized, the overall device complexity is reduced. Only the touch protection element needs to be adapted for different geometries, not the entire screw assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry-adaptation requirements are extracted from the screw body and placed into the separate touch protection element. This extraction allows the screw body to remain simple and standardized, while only the touch protection element carries the geometric variations needed for different applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized screws are manufactured for different applications, then adaptability to different geometries is improved, but manufacturing cost and tool variety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A single standardized screw body design can be used across all applications, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency. The same screw body can be paired with different touch protection elements to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized screw manufacturing lines and tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmentation of the screw into a standardized body and adaptable touch protection element allows for efficient production. The standardized screw body can be manufactured in high volumes using the same tools and processes, while the touch protection elements can be produced separately and assembled, improving overall manufacturing productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a screw (1) for a touch-proof plug connection (3) comprising a screw body (11) and a touch protection element (22), where the screw body (11) comprises a screw head (12) and a screw shank (14) originating from the screw head (12) and extending along a screw-in direction (E) up to a screw tip (13). In order to provide a screw (1) that can be used flexibly and at the same time is robust, safe, and easy to handle, a connecting element (24) is formed at the screw tip (13), where the touch protection element (22) is provided on a coupling side (26) with at least one connection device (27) which is configured as a connection counterpart to the connecting element (24) for connecting the touch protection element (22) to the screw body (11), and where the touch protection element (22) has at least on a front side (32) an electrically insulating surface which in the connected state of the screw body (11) and the touch protection element (22) points in the screw-in direction (E).