Mechanically Linked Power Connector Covers for Misoperation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electric devices are vulnerable to damage due to user misoperation, such as connecting both battery and AC power sources simultaneously, which can lead to improper functioning and reduced product lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically linked cover system that ensures only one power source can be connected at a time, featuring a first and second connector with corresponding covers that move in tandem to shield and expose the connectors based on the selected power source, preventing accidental connection of a second power source when the first is already installed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electric device is equipped with both battery connector and AC power connector for versatile power input options, then the adaptability and flexibility of the device is improved, but the risk of user misoperation increases leading to potential damage and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
A cover component acts as an intermediary between the user and the connectors. When the cover is in the first position, it simultaneously exposes the battery connector and shields the AC power connector. When moved to the second position, it shields the battery connector and exposes the AC power connector. This mechanical intermediary prevents users from accessing both connectors simultaneously, eliminating the risk of misoperation while maintaining versatile power input options.
2Ease of operation
If both battery connector and AC power connector are exposed simultaneously for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the harmful effect of user misoperation occurs leading to device damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to preemptively prevent harmful misoperation by mechanically blocking access to one connector at a time. Before the user can attempt to connect both power sources simultaneously, the cover's position already prevents this action. The cover creates preliminary opposition to the harmful action, stopping it before it can occur.
3Reliability
If the cover system is made complex with multiple independent covers for each connector, then the protection against misoperation is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using separate independent covers for the battery connector and AC power connector, the invention merges them into a single integrated cover component. This single cover performs the function of both covers simultaneously - when positioned at the first location, it exposes the battery connector while shielding the AC connector, and vice versa when at the second location. This merging reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining reliable misoperation prevention.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers, comprising: a first connector (30) adapted to connected to a first source of electric power, a first shielding member (29) configured to shield the first connector (30) from coupling to the first source of electric power; a second connector (51) adapted to connect to a second source of electric power; and a second shielding member (38) configured to shield the second connector (51) from coupling to the second source of electric power. The first shielding member (29) and the second shielding member (38) are mechanically coupled, such that movement of the first shielding member (29) results in movement of the second shield member (38) and vice versa. An electric device containing such an apparatus is also described.