Track Sensor Plug with Centering Element for Strain Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing detachable cable connectors for track sensors, such as those using the Amphenol system with bayonet-type connectors, face difficulties in maintenance due to corrosion and contamination, making them hard to detach over time, and risk damage to the sensor when cables are subjected to excessive strain.

Innovation Solution

A device with a plug body and centering element featuring a semi-circular cable conduit, parallel guides, and screw connections, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly while protecting the sensor from strain and enabling external monitoring, with a robust design that prevents sensor damage during maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If detachable bayonet-type connectors are used, then maintenance work is facilitated, but the connectors become difficult to detach over time due to corrosion and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance workVSAvoiddetachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cable connector from direct attachment to the sensor housing and places it in a separate, removable position. The connector can be detached from the sensor assembly without removing the entire sensor from the track, enabling easy maintenance while preventing corrosion-related detachment difficulties by allowing periodic replacement of the connector component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly is segmented into distinct components: the sensor housing permanently mounted on the track, and the cable connector that can be independently removed. This segmentation allows the connector to be maintained or replaced without affecting the sensor housing, resolving the contradiction between easy maintenance and easy detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If cable connectors are permanently connected to the sensor, then connection reliability is improved, but maintenance work becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmaintenance work
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a permanently mounted sensor housing and a separately removable cable connector. This segmentation maintains reliable electrical connections through properly designed connector interfaces while enabling easy maintenance by allowing the connector to be independently removed and replaced without disturbing the sensor housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector interface is designed to be dynamically changeable between connected and disconnected states. The connector can be firmly connected during operation to ensure reliability, but can be easily disconnected when maintenance is needed, providing dynamic adaptability to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If cable connectors are installed directly to the track sensor, then connection simplicity is improved, but sensor damage risk increases when cables are subjected to excessive strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidsensor damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connector is extracted from direct attachment to the sensor housing and positioned in a separate, protected location. This extraction creates a protective barrier that isolates the sensor housing from cable strain, preventing force transmission that could damage the sensor while maintaining simple connection through the removable connector interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable cable connector acts as an intermediary element between the cable and the sensor housing. It absorbs and isolates mechanical strain from the cable, preventing direct transmission of excessive force to the sensor housing, thereby protecting the sensor while maintaining electrical connection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3567161B1Device for installation of track sensors
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 VOESTALPINE SIGNALING POLAND SP ZOO
  • EP3567161B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3567161B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3567161B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

A plug for installation of wired sensor track connectors, including a through body (1) and a plug socket (2) having at least four connectors, wherein the body (1) is provided with a base to be placed in a detachable manner on a centering element (4) configured as an angled profile made of a load-bearing plate and an adjusting plate (6) perpendicular to the load-bearing plate. A frame protrusion (7) is formed on the front wall of the body (1). Parallel starter guides are provided on both sides of the body base. A semi-circular cable conduit is formed in the middle of the load-bearing plate of the centering element (4), wherein parallel resting guides are formed on both sides of the conduit. An adjusting cut-out (11) having a shape adapted to the frame protrusion (7) is provided in the adjusting plate (6).