Adjustable Power Cord Retainer for Vibration Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power cords often become inadvertently disconnected due to vibration or maintenance, leading to power interruptions, and existing solutions like fasteners or wire bails are limited in accommodating various cord sizes and shapes, and require specialized tools.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable power cord retainer assembly featuring a bushing with slots for adjusting the fit and a bail with engagement members that secure the cord without needing specialized tools, allowing for secure attachment to different-sized power cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a friction fit connection is used for power cords, then the cord can be easily removed by a user, but the cord can become inadvertently disconnected during use particularly in environments subject to vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly allows dynamic adjustment between secured and removable states. The cord can be firmly secured during operation to prevent vibration-induced disconnection, yet easily removed when needed by simply pulling the cord, providing both stability and ease of operation at different times
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly automatically secures the cord through its spring-loaded or friction-fit mechanism without requiring additional fastening actions. The cord itself serves as the actuating element - pulling it releases the retention mechanism, eliminating the need for tools or complex release procedures
2Reliability
If a fastener is used to secure the cord, then the cord is securely held, but the cords are very specific in their design and may not match with older equipment or newer cords
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate power cords of various sizes, shapes, and connector types. The adjustable retention mechanism can adapt to different cord configurations, making it compatible with both older and newer equipment without requiring cord-specific fasteners
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer assembly allows adjustment of retention parameters such as clamp force, opening width, or engagement depth to match different cord characteristics. This adjustability enables the same retainer design to effectively secure diverse cord types while maintaining reliable connection
3Reliability
If a wire bail with fasteners is used to secure the cord, then the cord is retained, but the solution is limited by the inability to accommodate a variety of power cords and the use of mechanical retention fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer assembly replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler retention mechanism. Instead of requiring multiple fasteners, screws, or clips, the design uses a streamlined structure that secures the cord through integrated friction engagement or spring pressure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical fastening components
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer for use with a conventional cord to stabilize the cord within a plug of an electronic device is provided. The retainer includes a bushing for receiving the cord, and a bail, which engages the bushing at one end, having a pair of legs for engagement with a pair of corresponding holders supported on the electrical device to secure and stabilize the cord. The legs include a pair of engagement members that face inwardly, toward the opposing leg, and which are received within a holder supported on the electronic assembly so that the engagement members face inwardly, toward each other during use. In one embodiment, a locking ring is provided for engaging the bushing to tighten the fit of the bushing over the cord.