Clamp-On USB Charger Cable Tapping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an efficient device that can convert AC electric energy from the national grid into DC energy suitable for USB devices, while safely tapping into the cable of an electric device without requiring complex installations or additional power sources.
Innovation Solution
A clamp on power cord USB charger comprising a pan, lid, and fastening structure that encloses a rectifying circuit, which taps into the cable to draw AC energy and converts it into DC energy using penetrating leads and an AC/DC converter, providing a USB-compatible output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamp on charger taps into the cable to draw AC energy, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but safety hazards increase due to penetrating leads cutting through cable insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the cable interaction into separate functional zones: the clamp structure engages with the outer cable insulation without cutting, while penetrating leads are contained within an enclosed chamber that provides electrical isolation. This segmentation allows the cable-tapping function to be separated from the dangerous high-voltage conversion function, reducing safety hazards while maintaining ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an enclosed chamber as an intermediary structure between the cable and the rectifying circuit. This chamber contains the penetrating leads and provides electrical isolation, acting as a mediator that enables the clamp to safely access power from the cable without exposing external users to electrical hazards. The enclosure serves as a protective barrier that maintains safety while allowing the simplified clamp-on installation method.
2Reliability
If the rectifying circuit is enclosed in a housing with penetrating leads, then reliability is improved through protection, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for precise cable penetration and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure is designed with movable, adjustable components that allow the penetrating leads to be positioned and aligned dynamically during installation rather than requiring fixed, pre-positioned holes. The clamp can be adjusted to accommodate variations in cable position and orientation, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable enclosure protection for the rectifying circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable geometric parameters in the clamp structure, such as movable clamping arms and adjustable lead positions, that can be modified during installation to match the specific cable configuration. This flexibility in geometric parameters allows the device to achieve proper alignment without requiring high manufacturing precision, while still providing reliable enclosure protection.
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 device effectively converts AC to DC energy, enabling the charging of USB devices by tapping into the AC power grid, offering a convenient and straightforward solution for energy distribution without the need for additional power sources or complex installations.
Implementation Method 1
The rectifying circuit: a) taps into the cable to draw ac electric energy from national electric grid; and, b) converts the drawn ac electric energy into dc electric energy.
Data Source
AI summary
The clamp on power cord USB charger is an electric energy distribution device. The clamp on power cord USB charger draws ac electric energy from the national electric grid by tapping into the cable of an electric device. The converts the drawn ac electric energy into dc electric energy. The clamp on power cord USB charger distributes the dc electric energy in a manner suitable for use by USB devices. The clamp on power cord USB charger comprises a pan, a lid, a fastening structure, and a rectifying circuit. The pan, the lid, and the fastening structure enclose the rectifying circuit. The rectifying circuit: a) taps into the cable to draw ac electric energy from national electric grid; and, b) converts the drawn ac electric energy into dc electric energy.