Dual-Surface Power Line Base for Flexible Electronic Device Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line assemblies for electronic devices, such as electric fans, are limited by their length and positioning, restricting the area of use and causing inconvenience in attachment and detachment, which can lead to accidental power disconnection.

Innovation Solution

A power line assembly with power-supply contacts on both surfaces, allowing for magnetic or pin-and-hole connection, and a built-in battery in the electric fan for dual power supply modes, enabling convenient attachment and detachment, and preventing accidental power loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the power line assembly is used with a fixed length and positioning, then the device structure is simple, but the area of use is restricted and attachment/detachment is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearea of useVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power line assembly is divided into separable components: a power line base with power-supply contacts and an electronic device with power-delivery contacts. This segmentation allows the device to be detached and moved to different locations, expanding the area of use while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Power-supply contacts are provided on both surfaces (top and bottom) of the power line base, adding a dimensional aspect to the connection capability. This allows the electronic device to be attached from either surface, increasing positioning flexibility and area of use without significantly complicating the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the power line assembly allows easy attachment and detachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of power supply deteriorates due to accidental separation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment and detachmentVSAvoidpower supply stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Connection structures and connection mating structures are pre-provided on both the power line base and electronic device. These preliminary connection elements ensure that when attachment occurs, the connection is immediately secured, preventing accidental separation while still allowing easy attachment and detachment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic structures are used as the connection mechanism, utilizing magnetic field attraction forces. This provides a reliable connection that resists accidental separation while maintaining ease of operation, as the magnetic attraction automatically secures the connection without requiring complex mechanical fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power-supply contacts are provided on both surfaces of the power line base, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power line base is designed with universal functionality by providing identical power-supply contacts on both surfaces. This multi-functional design allows the base to connect with electronic devices from either surface, maximizing positioning flexibility. The manufacturing complexity is managed by using repetitive, standardized contact structures on both surfaces rather than designing entirely different connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for flexible use of electric fans beyond the power line assembly's reach and ensures reliable power delivery by providing a backup battery mode, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection and enhancing user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic structure and the connection mating structure may be fixed to each other by magnetic attraction in response to said either of the surfaces mating the power-delivery assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3214703B1Assembly comprising a power line assembly and an electronic device
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 XIAOMI INC
  • EP3214703B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3214703B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3214703B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a power line assembly and an electronic device. The power line assembly may include: a power line; a power line plug disposed at one end of the power line to mate an outlet; and a power line base disposed at the other end of the power line and having surfaces at a top and a bottom, each of the surfaces being provided with power-supply contacts, the power-supply contacts on the top or the bottom being configured to contact with power-delivery contacts in a power-delivery assembly of an electronic device to supply power to the electronic device in response to the power line base mating the power-delivery assembly. In the technical solutions of the present disclosure, an electronic device may be compatible with a plurality of power-supply methods, and it's easy to manage the connection state of an electronic device and a power line assembly. [FIG. 6]