Wireless Sewer Connector Plug for Contamination-Resistant Coupling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plug connectors for sewer inspection and maintenance systems are complex, costly, and sensitive to contamination, requiring high safety standards and complex production processes due to their exposure to harsh environmental conditions like moisture and dirt.
Innovation Solution
A plug unit with a wireless energy transmission and signal transmission capability, designed to be detachably coupled, reducing the number of physical contacts and mechanical complexity, and featuring a rotationally symmetrical design for easier handling and reduced mechanical stress, which also simplifies manufacturing and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional multi-pin connectors are used for wired connections, then reliable power and signal transmission is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based signal transmission system with a wireless communication system. The connector now only needs to provide power transmission through simple electrical contacts, while all data and control signals are transmitted wirelessly via integrated antennas and communication modules, eliminating the need for complex multi-pin signal connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the signal transmission function from the mechanical connector structure and separates it into an independent wireless communication subsystem. This allows the connector to focus solely on power transmission while signal communication occurs through wireless means, significantly simplifying the physical connector design
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact pins are provided for power and signal transmission, then comprehensive functionality is achieved, but the number of poles increases to a maximum of two or zero with inductive transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based signal transmission with wireless electromagnetic field-based transmission. Integrated antennas and communication modules enable all data exchange to occur wirelessly, reducing the connector to only the essential power transmission contacts or even eliminating physical contacts entirely through inductive power transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication subsystem serves multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission, control signaling, and potentially power transfer through the same electromagnetic field interface, eliminating the need for separate dedicated contacts for each function
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are designed to meet safety and explosion protection requirements, then high safety standards are met, but manufacturing becomes time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical connector structure with a simplified design that uses wireless communication for all signal transmission. This reduction in mechanical complexity and number of exposed contacts significantly eases manufacturing while maintaining safety standards, as there are fewer components that require precision assembly and testing
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified connector design with fewer critical components allows for more cost-effective manufacturing processes and potentially replaceable modular units, reducing overall system cost while maintaining required safety performance
4Reliability
If wired connections with multiple pins are used, then stable power and data transmission is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase and service life decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical wear by replacing contact-based signal transmission with wireless electromagnetic communication. The only physical contact required is for power transmission, and even this can be eliminated through inductive coupling, thereby removing the primary source of mechanical degradation and extending connector service life
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 results in a plug unit that is less sensitive to contamination, easier to manufacture and maintain, with a higher life expectancy, and compliance with safety standards, while reducing the need for expensive explosion protection measures and simplifying production.
Implementation Method 1
a signal transmitting and/or receiving device (14) designed to wirelessly transmit data between the plug unit (10) and the other plug unit (20)
Implementation Method 2
The energy transmission device may comprise a module adapted to transmit the electrical energy between the plug unit and the further plug unit on an inductive basis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A connector unit is provided for a component of a channel inspection and/or maintenance system, wherein the connector unit comprises a power transmission device for transmitting electrical energy between the connector unit and another connector unit, and a signal transmitting and/or signal receiving device configured to wirelessly transmit data between the connector unit and the other connector unit, wherein the connector unit is detachably coupling with the other connector unit.