Vehicle Block Heater Cord Extender with Telescopic Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for vehicle block heaters require cumbersome manual handling of extension cords in cold weather, necessitating two-handed operation and potential oversight of warning lights due to external mounting, which complicates the process of extending and retracting the block heater cord.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle-mountable block heater cord extender with a telescopically extendable and retractable arm and a separate wireless warning unit inside the vehicle, allowing one-handed operation and ensuring the driver is alerted when the extender is plugged into a mains power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a standard block heater with short power cord is used, then the block heater can be mounted near the front end of the engine compartment, but the power cord cannot reach the electrical outlet without a separate extension cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the block heater mounting bracket and the extendable arm with electrical plug into a single integrated extender assembly. The mounting bracket securely holds the block heater while the extendable arm with plug is permanently attached, eliminating the need for separate extension cords and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a telescopically extendable and retractable arm that can dynamically adjust its length. The arm extends to reach electrical outlets at various distances and retracts when not in use, providing adaptability to different mounting positions and outlet locations without requiring multiple fixed-length cords.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of extension cord is required in cold weather, then the block heater can be connected to power supply, but the operation requires two hands and is cumbersome in cold conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the extender assembly into distinct functional segments: a mounting bracket for securing the block heater, an extendable arm for reaching outlets, and a electrical plug for connection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the plugging operation by separating the heater securing function from the electrical connection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The extendable arm is designed to be self-positioning and self-holding. Once extended to the desired length, the arm maintains its position without requiring continuous manual adjustment, and the plug automatically aligns with the outlet for connection, reducing the manual effort needed during operation.
3Loss of information
If warning light is mounted externally on the vehicle, then the block heater plugged-in status can be indicated, but the warning light may be overlooked if driver approaches from side or rear
Solution Approach 1:
The extender assembly integrates multiple functions into a single device: mechanical mounting of the block heater, electrical connection through the extendable arm, and visual warning indication. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate warning systems and ensures the warning is always visible near the heater location regardless of driver approach direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a warning light as an intermediary visual indicator mounted on or near the extender assembly. This intermediary provides a clear, localized signal of the plugged-in status that is independent of the driver's position, ensuring the information is always visible and cannot be overlooked.
4Loss of time
If extension cord is stored inside the vehicle, then the cord is protected from weather, but the cord must be retrieved from the vehicle every time the block heater is used
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable arm with electrical plug is pre-installed and permanently mounted to the block heater assembly during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to retrieve, connect, or store extension cords manually each time the block heater is used, saving time and improving convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated extender assembly is self-contained and requires no external extension cord for operation. The built-in extendable arm automatically provides the necessary reach to electrical outlets, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the repetitive task of retrieving and storing extension cords.
Data Source
AI summary
A block heater cord extender features a frame for mounting to a vehicle, a female electrical socket carried on the frame for receiving a male plug of the vehicle's block heater cord, and an extendable/retractable arm having a proximal end movably mounted to the frame. The arm is extendable and retractable in length, and carries an electrical plug at its distal end for mating with a mains power electrical outlet. Circuitry of the extender includes a wireless transmitter arranged activated by the mains power supply when the extender is plugged in. The transmitter sends a signal to a separate warning unit placed inside the vehicle, which reminds a vehicle operator to unplug the extender before driving away.