Electric Iron Connection Element for Compact Two-Sided Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric irons face difficulties in easy assembly and efficient use of limited internal space for electrical connections, requiring multiple assembly steps and constrained installation space.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece electrical connection element designed as a square or cubic plug, arranged in a channel-shaped recess within the iron's base body, allowing for two-sided contact and optimized space utilization, with plug contacts for both mains and internal power supply, and conductor tracks for efficient heating element connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrical connection devices are used, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection components (plug contacts, insulation housing, strain relief elements, and positioning features) into a single integrated one-piece electrical connection element. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate assembly steps, allowing the entire electrical connection assembly to be installed as one unit, thereby significantly simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly time.
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical components are installed in the rear area of the iron, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but available installation space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the electrical connection element from the traditional rear area of the iron to the handle area, utilizing the three-dimensional space within the handle structure. This dimensional relocation allows effective use of previously underutilized space in the handle, thereby solving the space constraint problem in the rear area while maintaining all necessary electrical connection functionalities.
3Productivity
If multiple separate electrical components are used, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but assembly time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple electrical connection components into a single one-piece element that includes plug contacts, insulation housing, strain relief features, and positioning elements. This consolidation allows the entire electrical connection assembly to be installed in one operation, dramatically reducing assembly time and improving manufacturing productivity by eliminating repetitive assembly steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If electrical connection elements are installed in limited rear space, then electrical connection functionality is achieved, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the electrical connection element from the constrained rear area to the handle area, where there is abundant three-dimensional space available. This spatial repositioning optimizes the overall space utilization of the iron by placing electrical components in an area with sufficient volume, thereby improving space efficiency and allowing better arrangement of other internal components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric iron comprising at least one base member (12a) and a gripping element (11 ), and a mains power supply fed by way of a mains cable (13), wherein the mains cable (13) is connected in an electrically conducting manner to an inner power feed (14), and wherein the inner power feed (14) is provided for electric power supply of at least one electronic component (15) for temperature control and/or of a heating element (17) disposed in an iron base (16). It is proposed that a one-part electric connection element (10) be provided that comprises at least one plug contact (18) for the mains power supply and at least one plug contact (19) for the inner power feed (14), wherein the plug contacts (18, 19) can be contacted from two sides. The invention further relates to an electrical connecting element of such an electric iron.