One-Handed Auxiliary Power Coupler with Simultaneous Clasp Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting a remote auxiliary power source to a vehicle electrical system are cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring two hands or multiple steps due to the need for individual operation of alligator-type clamps.
Innovation Solution
A power coupler with a housing, actuator, and electrically-conductive clasps that can be grasped and operated with one hand, featuring a mechanism to bias clasps in a closed position for attachment and a linkage to open them simultaneously, along with detachable electrical cables for quick connection to an auxiliary power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If alligator-type clamps are used for connecting auxiliary power source to vehicle electrical system, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but operation requires two hands or multiple steps which increases time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple alligator-type clamps onto a single housing structure, merging what would normally be separate connection tools into one integrated device. This allows the user to attach multiple electrical connections simultaneously with a single hand, while maintaining the secure connection capability of individual clamps.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamps are pre-positioned on the housing in fixed locations, with their release mechanisms pre-aligned. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need to manually position each clamp separately during operation, reducing the steps required for attachment while ensuring proper connection geometry.
2Reliability
If alligator-type clamps are used for connecting auxiliary power source, then reliable electrical contact is established, but the process becomes time-consuming due to individual operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamps are merged into a single operable unit mounted on the housing. Activating one release mechanism simultaneously releases multiple clamps, enabling rapid attachment and detachment operations while maintaining reliable electrical contact through each clamp's individual gripping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage mechanism provides dynamic coordinated motion to multiple clamps, allowing them to open and close simultaneously through a single actuating motion. This dynamic synchronization dramatically increases attachment speed compared to manual operation of individual clamps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate clamp connectors are used for each terminal connection, then flexible attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate clamp connectors into a single integrated coupler device with a common housing and shared release mechanism. This reduces the number of discrete components the user must handle while maintaining the flexibility to attach to different terminal configurations through the properly positioned clamps.
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
Enables quick, secure, and one-handed engagement with vehicle electrical terminals, reducing the time and effort required for power supply attachment, particularly beneficial in vehicle assembly environments.
Implementation Method 1
A linkage connects the actuator to the clasps, and is arranged to simultaneously open the clasps when the actuator is activated
Implementation Method 2
A mechanism to bias the clasps in a closed position for attachment to the vehicle electrical system
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for connection of a power source to a vehicle electrical system. The coupler includes a housing arranged to be grasped by an operator, and an actuator arranged to be accessible when the housing is grasped. A plurality of electrically-conductive clasps are arranged on the housing and employ a mechanism to bias the clasps in a closed position for attachment to the vehicle electrical system. A linkage connecting the actuator to the claps is further provided to simultaneously open the clasps when the actuator is activated.