Asymmetric Jumper Cable Layout to Prevent Clamp Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jumper cables have exposed ends that are prone to accidental contact, posing a risk of damage to vehicles and injury to users.
Innovation Solution
The jumper cable apparatus features unequal length portions of charging transfer cables with connecting elements at each end, designed to releasably attach to battery terminals, thereby preventing accidental contact between the connecting elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional jumper cables with equal length cables and exposed ends are used, then the device is simple and easy to operate, but the connecting elements are prone to accidental contact causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the jumper cable apparatus with unequal length portions. The first cable has a first portion and a second portion of unequal lengths, and the second cable has a third portion and a fourth portion of unequal lengths. This asymmetric configuration spatially separates the connecting elements, preventing accidental contact between opposite polarity clamps while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the connecting elements are positioned close together for ease of connection, then the operation is convenient, but the risk of accidental contact between opposite polarity elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The unequal length portions extend in different spatial directions, creating vertical and lateral separation between connecting elements. This dimensional change allows convenient connection access while maintaining safe separation distances between opposite polarity elements.
3Reliability
If the jumper cable apparatus uses unequal length portions with specific spatial arrangement, then accidental contact between connecting elements is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each cable into distinct portions with specific functions. The first cable is segmented into a first portion (with first clamp) and a second portion (with second clamp), and the second cable is segmented into a third portion (with third clamp) and a fourth portion (with fourth clamp). This segmentation with unequal lengths creates inherent spatial separation that prevents accidental contact while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A jumper cable is provided that includes: a first charging transfer cable having first and second opposing ends; a second charging transfer cable having third and fourth opposing ends, and a connecting element at each of the first, second, third, and fourth opposing ends, the connecting element configured to releasably attach respective ends of the first and second charging cables to one or more battery terminals. A portion of the first charging transfer cable is coupled to the second charging transfer cables between a first point of union and a second point of union, and the unequal length portions of the first and second charging transfer cables extend from at least one of the first and second points of union.