Cord Coupling Securement Device Using Cable Ties and Pawl

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securement devices for extension cords fail to reliably prevent unintended disconnection of coupled male and female plugs, leading to safety and convenience issues.

Innovation Solution

A securement device comprising a first cable tie coupled to a male plug and a second cable tie coupled to a female plug, with transverse straps extending from a loop on the first cable tie that are insertable through receivers on the second cable tie, ensuring secure engagement and preventing disconnection, utilizing a pawl mechanism for easy removal and reuse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing securement devices are used to prevent disconnection of extension cords, then disconnection prevention is attempted, but they fail to reliably prevent unintended disconnection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of preventing disconnectionVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securement device is divided into separate components: a first cable tie for the male plug, a second cable tie for the female plug, and removable straps with receivers. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling easy assembly and disassembly of the complete securement system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securement device incorporates a dynamic locking mechanism using straps that can be inserted through receivers and locked in place, then easily removed when needed. This allows the device to transition between a secured state (preventing disconnection) and an unsecured state (for easy removal), resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure connection is established between male and female plugs, then disconnection is prevented, but the device becomes difficult to remove and reuse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of cord couplingVSAvoidease of removal and reuse

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The straps and receivers act as intermediary components between the cable ties and the plugs. The straps can be inserted through the receivers to secure the connection, and then easily removed from the receivers to allow reuse. This intermediary mechanism enables both secure coupling and easy removal without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a simple securement mechanism is used, then ease of assembly is improved, but the ability to prevent unintended disconnection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidprevention of unintended disconnection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple securement functions into a unified system: the first and second cable ties secure the plugs to their respective cords, while the straps with receivers provide an additional locking mechanism. This combination of multiple securing methods enhances reliability while maintaining ease of assembly, as each component is simple in itself but collectively provides robust security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9276359B2Cord coupling securement device

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 BROWN BLAIR

AI summary

A cord coupling securement device secures a male plug to a female plug to prevent unintended disconnection of coupled extension cords. The device includes a first cable tie configured for coupling to a first cord adjacent to a first cord plug and a second cable tie configured for coupling to a second cord adjacent to a second cord plug engageable to the first cord plug. A strap extends transversely from a loop formed by coupling the first cable tie to the first cord. The strap is insertable through a receiver such that the strap is coupled to the receiver and the first cable tie is secured to the second cable tie.