Appliance Power Connection Assembly with Rotating Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Appliance power connections that require individual wire installation of a power supply cord onto a terminal block can be difficult for consumers to install and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power connection assembly featuring a receptacle with a rotatable cap and a spring-loaded mechanism that securely encases the power cord, with a switch actuated by a protrusion to ensure easy installation and secure electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual wires of a power supply cord are installed onto a terminal block, then a secure electrical connection is achieved, but the installation process becomes difficult and complex for consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The power cord is nested within the cap assembly, which is then inserted into the receptacle. The cap encases the power cord, protecting it while allowing the entire assembly to be received by the receptacle in a single motion, eliminating the need for separate wire installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The power cord is pre-positioned and secured within the cap assembly before insertion into the receptacle. The cap is designed with a protrusion that will engage with the switch mechanism, preliminarily setting up the connection geometry so that simply inserting the assembly completes both mechanical and electrical connections
2Ease of operation
If a rotatable cap with locking mechanism is used to encase the power cord, then ease of installation and operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the insertion motion itself. As the cap assembly is inserted into the receptacle, the protrusion automatically engages with the switch mechanism, combining the mechanical insertion action with the electrical connection action into a single unified operation
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion on the cap automatically actuates the switch mechanism upon insertion, causing the switch to move to the closed position without user intervention. The system self-configures the electrical connection state based on the mechanical insertion of the power cord assembly
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 assembly simplifies the installation process and ensures a reliable, user-friendly connection for both 3-wire and 4-wire power cords, providing a safe and effective transfer of electrical power to appliances.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is configured to bias the cap into the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
A spring is received by the second slot and is configured to bias the ring in a neutral position
Data Source
AI summary
A power connection assembly for an appliance includes a receptacle that has an inner wall. The inner wall defines a cavity. A channel is defined by the inner wall and is in communication with the cavity. A power cord is configured to be at least partially received by the cavity of the receptacle. A cap is rotatable between a locked position and an unlocked position and is configured to at least partially encase the power cord. A protrusion extends radially from the cap. A switch is positioned proximate the channel and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The protrusion is received by the channel and is configured to move the switch to the closed position.