Extension Cord Stand Anchoring via Insulated Prongs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Extension cords lack a secure anchoring mechanism, leading to instability, difficulty in access, and safety concerns due to the use of metal holding means that can puncture the shielding, and existing solutions are not modular for different cord sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A stand with perpendicular prongs that mate with slots in the extension cord head, made from weighted and insulating materials, featuring a base with adhesive or frictional elements to secure the cord to a surface, allowing easy access and use while preventing movement and ensuring safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If metal holding means are used to anchor the extension cord, then the extension cord can be securely held in place, but the shielding may be punctured creating safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension cord stabilityVSAvoidelectrical safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a non-conductive base as an intermediary between the extension cord and the surface. The base provides mechanical anchoring through friction and adhesive elements while being electrically insulating, thus preventing puncture of the shielding and eliminating electrical safety hazards while maintaining cord stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical anchoring system (metal clips or weights) with a combination of friction-based holding and adhesive elements integrated into the base. This substitution eliminates the need for metal components that could puncture shielding while providing equivalent or superior anchoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the extension cord is simply placed on the surface without anchoring, then it is easily accessible, but it may move or fall due to jostling or shape memory

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidextension cord position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed with pre-integrated adhesive elements and friction surfaces that are ready to immediately secure the extension cord upon placement. This preliminary preparation ensures that the cord is anchored as soon as it contacts the base, preventing movement from jostling or shape memory effects while maintaining easy accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a shell is used to encase and anchor the extension cord head, then the cord can be held securely, but the solution is not adaptable to different cord sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension cord anchoringVSAvoidcompatibility with different cords

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The base is designed as a universal platform with a large, flat top surface that can accommodate extension cords of various sizes and shapes. The adhesive elements are distributed across the surface to adapt to different cord configurations, and the prong receptacles are positioned to work with standard cord designs, making the base compatible with multiple cord types without requiring custom shells for each size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the extension cord is weighted down with another object, then it can be held in place, but it creates clutter and is not aesthetically pleasing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension cord positionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the anchoring function with the base structure itself. The base integrates both the aesthetic surface element and the anchoring mechanism (adhesive elements and friction surfaces) into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate weighting objects, providing stable cord holding while maintaining a clean, clutter-free appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 provides a stable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing way to anchor extension cords of various sizes and shapes, ensuring easy access and preventing movement due to jostling or shape memory, without compromising electrical safety.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a base with adhesive or frictional elements to secure the cord to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

featuring a base with adhesive or frictional elements to secure the cord to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10944208B1Electrical extension cord stand and anchor apparatuses

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 LAMUSGA STEVEN

AI summary

Electrical extension cord stand and anchor apparatuses provide a stand comprising a base having at least one set of prongs extending perpendicular from a surface of the base, wherein the base comprises means for holding the base onto a surface. The at least one set of prongs mates with a pair of slots in an electrical extension cord head having a plurality of pairs of slots therein for plugging electrical devices therein. Methods of making and using the same are further provided.