Cable Routing System for Clamshell Electrical Device Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical devices with movable components, such as waffle irons, face issues with cable management, leading to accidental opening and damage when the mains cable is wound around them, resulting in increased space usage and potential damage to the device.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a cable routing system where the mains cable is wound around the edge of the device, using a cable receptacle and routing area on opposing components, deflecting laterally to secure the device in a closed position, preventing unintentional opening and allowing for compact storage without additional space or clamps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mains cable is wound around the electrical device to secure it in closed position, then the device cannot be opened unintentionally, but the device takes up more space and the cable management becomes messy
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing path is segmented into distinct zones: a first cable routing area on the lower component, a second cable routing area on the upper component, and a cable receptacle. This segmentation allows the cable to be routed through specific paths that secure the components together without requiring the cable to wrap around the entire device, thus preventing accidental opening while minimizing space occupation.
2Reliability
If the cable is permanently connected to the device, then the connection is secure, but the cable cannot be stowed away completely in the floor area
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement. The cable is routed through the thickness of the components (from lower to upper component) and secured in a cable receptacle, utilizing the vertical dimension. This allows the cable to be permanently connected while being completely stowed within the device's footprint, preventing it from protruding or creating mess.
3Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms like clips or plug contacts are used, then the device can be secured in closed position, but additional openings are required on the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The mains cable serves multiple functions: it provides power supply to the device and simultaneously acts as a locking mechanism to secure the upper and lower components together in the closed position. The cable routing through both components and into the cable receptacle creates friction and mechanical interference that prevents unintentional opening, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and their associated openings.
Data Source
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AI summary
Electrical device with two movably interconnected components that can be moved from an open position to a closed position for use, with a peripheral cable receptacle being formed on one of the movable components and a cable routing area being formed on the other of the movable components, with the cable routing area being designed to Accommodate a cable that is or can be connected to the electrical device and which, when the electrical device is not in use, is wound around the electrical device in the closed position in such a way that the cable is deflected from the cable routing area of one component to the cable holder of the other component, so that the two components are held in the closed position.