Color-Coded Electrical Adapter System for Rapid Connector Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of standardization in electrical connections between power sources and loads makes it difficult to find compatible power cords, leading to inefficiencies in power transmission due to the numerous types of connectors, such as NEMA connectors, which can be confusing and incompatible.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system with power cords featuring visually distinct indicators like colors, patterns, or sensory markings on each end, allowing for rapid identification and selection of compatible adapters from a kit, ensuring correct connections between different types of electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of electrical connectors are used to support different power sources and loads, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to the outer insulation of power cords and corresponding receptacles to enable quick visual identification and matching of compatible connections. Different colors represent different connector types, allowing users to rapidly select the correct power cord from a set without confusion, directly resolving the ease of operation issue while maintaining adaptability across multiple connector types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of electrical connectors are used to support different power sources and loads, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identification system using color coding that works across all power cord types and connector variations. This single identification method (color) provides a universal language for matching connectors, reducing the effective complexity by providing a consistent way to navigate diverse connector types without requiring users to memorize specific connector configurations.
3Ease of operation
If visually distinct indicators are added to power cords for identification, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements color coding on the outer insulation of power cords and corresponding receptacles as a simple visual indicator system. This approach provides rapid visual identification to improve ease of operation while adding minimal complexity - merely applying colored insulation rather than complex mechanical or electronic identification systems. The color coding is integrated into the existing power cord structure rather than being an additional separate component.
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventors have recognized that locating cable adapters which may be required in electrical systems, such as between power generators and electrical inlets, may be greatly aided by applying visually striking distinguishing indicators, such as colors, molded-in patterns or shaped identifiers, shaped protrusions, and the like, at ends of each cable adapter which distinguishing indicators correspond to electrical/mechanical standards or connections of various types. This, in turn, may allow for rapid deployment of such cable adapters in the system, including from a kit.