Methods and apparatus for reducing the opportunity for accidental removal or insertion of components

摘要

Methods and apparatus for preventing the accidental or premature decoupling of an electrical connection, the electrical connection having two electrical connectors which can be coupled and decoupled. The invention includes a securing apparatus configured to secure the coupling of a first electrical connector to a compatible second electrical connector. The apparatus includes a moveable securing member. The moveable securing member is configured to be moved from a first position which prevents the first and second electrical connectors from being decoupled, to a second position which allows the first and second electrical connectors to be decoupled. The apparatus further includes an actuator configured to move the securing member between the first and second positions. The actuator is responsive to an authorization command, so that a user or a controller can cause the securing member to be moved. The securing apparatus can be further provided with a securing member sensor. The securing member sensor is configured to detect when the securing member is in the first or the second position, and to generate a position signal in response thereto. The position signal can be used by an operator or a controller to determine whether or not the electrical connectors can be physically decoupled.