Tulip Electrical Contact Pressing Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tulip-type electrical connectors face challenges with mechanical and electrodynamic strength, particularly under high voltage conditions, where mechanical strain and dielectric gas leaks are significant, and existing solutions do not adequately address these issues for long-term durability and efficient contact maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A tulip-type female electrical connector with a pressing element that exerts radial pre-stress on conducting fingers, reducing mechanical stress at the junction with the base and maintaining a consistent diameter over time, enhancing mechanical and electrodynamic strength, and facilitating better electrical contact through adjustable positioning of the pressing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If holes are provided at the bottom of the slots separating the fingers to decrease mechanical stress intensity, then the mechanical strength at the junctions is improved, but dielectric gas leaks occur and manufacturing precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
A pressing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the fingers and the base. This pressing element distributes the mechanical loads and reduces stress concentration at the finger-base junctions without requiring holes through the fingers, thereby maintaining dielectric integrity while improving mechanical strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element applies localized pressure at specific points on the fingers, creating a non-uniform stress distribution that optimizes mechanical strength where needed (at the junctions) without compromising the overall structural integrity or creating pathways for gas leaks.
2Ease of manufacture
If the pressing element position is fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different operational conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is designed with adjustable positioning capability, allowing its location along the fingers to be modified. This dynamic adjustment enables optimization of the pressing position for different operational conditions, finger configurations, and wear stages, while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
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 solution increases mechanical strength and maintains a consistent tulip diameter, ensuring reliable electrical contact over the lifespan of the connector, reducing mechanical strain and improving resistance to electrodynamic stresses, while being cost-effective and compact.
Implementation Method 1
a pressing element configured to exert a force on the fingers when the female electrical contact is in a rest position wherein the female electrical contact is free of electrical contact with the male electrical contact
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates an electrical connector comprising a tulip-type female electrical contact (10). The female electrical contact (10) comprises a ring (11) of conducting fingers (13) and a base (12) carrying the fingers (13). According to the invention, the female electrical connector (3) comprises a pressing element (4). The pressing element (4) presses on the fingers (13), when the female electrical contact (10) is in a rest position wherein the female electrical contact (10) is free of electrical contact with a male electrical contact (20) and away from the male electrical contact (20). The connector comprises a support (30) for the pressing element (4), arranged around the ring (11). The pressing element (4) projects from within the support (30) to the ring (11) of fingers (13).