Cord Protection Connector for One-Step Appliance Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The connection of electrical connectors in household appliances, such as irons, requires a specific and time-consuming assembly operation that is not ergonomic, leading to inefficiencies in the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A protective element integral with the cord, which includes a connector, is designed to facilitate the electrical connection directly during assembly, allowing for a single operation that simplifies the assembly process by integrating the connector into the protection element, such as a molded plastic sheath with a hinge and fixing flange, ensuring proper positioning and immobilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If connectors are manually connected to pins in a separate operation, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly time increases and ergonomics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element is merged with the connector to form a single integrated component. This allows the protective element to be installed in the opening and the electrical connection to be made simultaneously in one operation, eliminating the need for a separate manual connection step and thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If connectors are manually connected to pins in a separate operation, then electrical connection is achieved, but assembly ergonomics worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the protective element and connector into one integrated component, the assembly operation is simplified to a single intuitive installation action. This improves ergonomics by reducing the number of discrete steps and manual manipulation required, while the integrated design ensures proper alignment and reliable electrical connection without requiring complex manual connection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the protective element is integrated with the connector, then assembly operation is simplified, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidcomponent integration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective element and connector are merged into a single integrated component that can be installed in one operation, improving productivity. The integration is achieved through design features such as the connector being formed as part of the protective element or vice versa, with positioning features that ensure proper alignment. This unified design simplifies the assembly process while the internal integration maintains manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3186436B1Electrical appliance including a housing comprising an opening through which a cord containing an electric wire passes
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 SEB SA
  • EP3186436B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3186436B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3186436B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an electrical appliance for domestic use, which includes a housing (1) comprising an opening (5) through which a cord (2) containing at least one electric wire (20) passes, the opening (5) receiving a protection element (6) secured to the cord (2) which extends around the cord (2) in order to protect the cord (2) locally against wear associated with bending and/or friction, characterised in that said protection element (6) supports a connector (62) making it possible to connect the wire (20) electrically to a connector (70) with a complementary shape arranged in the housing (1) when the protection element (6) is placed in the opening (5).