Adjustable Solder-less Electrical Assembly with Polarity Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power plugs and adapters are often preformed with fixed cable lengths, leading to excess cable issues, and they can be hazardous and aesthetically unpleasing, especially in contexts like effects pedals, where components are positioned at inconsistent distances. Additionally, the variability in barrel jack and plug polarities can cause confusion and risk of damage if incorrectly wired.
Innovation Solution
A customizable electrical assembly with an elongate cable and electrical units featuring independently positionable contact members that allow for adjustable cable length and polarity reversal, using a color-coding system to ensure correct polarity alignment, and a self-healing cable jacket to prevent short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If preformed molded power plugs with fixed cable lengths are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cable management becomes messy and hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The power plug is divided into separable components: a reusable molded body and a detachable cable assembly. This allows the cable length to be customized independently while keeping the plug body standardized for easy manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable length is made adjustable and customizable rather than fixed. Users can select different cable lengths based on specific application needs, transforming the static cable length into a dynamic parameter that adapts to different scenarios.
2Device complexity
If fixed cable length plugs are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different distances and positions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized plug body serves multiple functions: it can connect to cables of various lengths, accommodate different polarity configurations, and work with multiple device types. This universal design maintains simplicity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable length parameter is made variable and customizable. Instead of being a fixed parameter determined during manufacturing, the cable length can be selected and changed based on the specific application requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If barrel plugs and jacks with different default polarities are used across industries, then versatility is improved, but confusion and risk of damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body incorporates localized polarity identification features (such as color coding or marking on specific sides) that provide clear visual guidance for correct orientation. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable polarity connection without sacrificing the ability to support different polarity configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The correct polarity orientation is predetermined and indicated through visual markers before connection. Users can identify the correct orientation in advance, preventing incorrect connections and damage before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable and reusable electrical assembly has an electrical unit, such as a plug unit or light unit, configured to engage with a cable. The electrical unit has a body that defines a channel connecting opposite pass-through openings. A first contact member and a second contact member are positioned with at least a portion in the body, each contact member having a piercing member. The cable is engageable with the plug unit extending through the channel with one piercing member in conductive contact with one wire and the other piercing member in conductive contact with the other wire. The cable can be disengaged from the plug unit and re-engaged at a different transverse position to change the length of the assembly.