Jump Starter Connector Safety Pin for Safe Port Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Jump starter cables without integrated safety modules pose safety risks when connected to vehicles without corresponding safety features, leading to unsafe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A jump starter cable with a safety pin on its connector that prevents coupling to jump starters lacking an integrated safety module, ensuring compatibility and safety features are provided only when connected to compatible devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a jump starter cable without an integrated safety module is used, then the device complexity and cost are reduced, but safety risks increase when connected to vehicles without corresponding safety features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a safety pin as an intermediary mechanical element that mediates between the cable and jump starter connection. The safety pin physically blocks connection unless the jump starter has the corresponding receptacle, thereby enabling safety without requiring complex electronic safety modules in the cable itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety pin is designed to be inserted into the jump starter's receptacle before the electrical connection is made. This preliminary mechanical action ensures that the jump starter has the necessary safety features before the cable can be connected and used, preventing unsafe connections in advance.
2Reliability
If a safety pin is added to the connector, then compatibility with unsafe jump starters is prevented, but the connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire connector complex, the patent applies the safety pin only at a specific location on the connector housing. This localized addition provides the necessary safety function while minimizing the overall complexity increase of the connector structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is segmented into functional parts: the electrical contact portion and the safety verification portion (safety pin). This segmentation allows the safety feature to be added as a separate, simple mechanical element rather than integrating it into the complex electrical connector design.
Data Source
AI summary
A jump starter cable includes: a pair of insulated wires with a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a pair of clamps residing at the first end; and a connector residing at the second end, the connector including: a first housing for a first pin; a second housing for a second pin; and a safety pin positioned proximate to the first housing and the second housing. In one aspect, the jump starter cable does not include a safety module. In another aspect, the connector is configured to couple to a port on a jump starter comprising an integrated safety module, where the port on the jump starter includes an opening corresponding to the safety pin.