Liquid-Tight Plug Element for Wireless Massage Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices face issues with liquid penetration due to non-liquid-tight sockets, limiting their functionality and compatibility with modern wireless data communication standards, and have complex designs that increase manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A plug-in element with a liquid-tight housing and cable, featuring USB-compatible charging electrodes, a printed circuit board antenna for wireless communication, and a control device, allowing for reliable data transmission and simple, cost-effective production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable or cord is provided as an antenna and charging cable, then the device can be connected to power source and antenna functions are provided, but the socket is not liquid-proof and liquid can penetrate leading to corrosion and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging electrode and antenna functions from the massage device body and relocates them to a separate plug element. This separation allows the plug element to be designed with liquid-tight sealing, preventing liquid penetration while maintaining charging and antenna functionalities. The cable connects the plug element to the massage device, enabling power and data transmission without compromising the liquid resistance of the device body.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug element acts as an intermediary component between the massage device and the power source/antenna system. It incorporates the charging electrodes and antenna in a liquid-tight housing, serving as a protective mediator that prevents liquid from reaching the electronic components while enabling charging and wireless communication functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cable is designed as an antenna, then radio frequency communication is possible, but the design is limited to certain radio frequencies and antenna types by the cable dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The plug element is designed as a universal interface that can support multiple wireless communication standards (Bluetooth, WLAN, GSM, UMTS) through an integrated antenna system. Instead of being limited to a single frequency or antenna type, the plug element incorporates a versatile antenna design that can handle various radio frequencies and communication protocols, making it adaptable to different wireless data transmission requirements.
3Volume of moving object
If electrical components are housed within the massage device body, then the device is compact, but liquid can penetrate the socket and cause corrosion and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging electrodes and antenna from the massage device body and places them in a separate plug element. This extraction allows the massage device to maintain a compact, liquid-tight design while the plug element houses the electrical components in a sealed environment, preventing liquid penetration and corrosion.
4Power
If a traditional power adapter design is used, then sufficient charging current can be provided, but the connector size is large and handling at low voltage is less safe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the charging interface by using USB-compatible charging electrodes that operate at low voltage (5V) and provide sufficient charging current through optimized electrode design. This parameter change allows the connector to be smaller and safer to handle while maintaining adequate power delivery capability for charging the energy storage device.
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A connector element (1) according to the invention for connecting a massage device (40) to a power source comprises a housing (2) which has two charging electrodes (6) for connection to a power source and accommodates a control device (20), a wireless data communication device (18), and a printed circuit board antenna (16) for transmitting and receiving radio signals from the wireless data communication device (18). The connector element (1) further comprises a cable (4) that extends from the housing (2) for connecting the connector element (1) to the massage device (40), wherein the connector element (1) is provided at a first end of the cable (4), and a second, opposite end of the cable (4) is configured for connection to a massage device (40). The housing (2), the cable (4), and the connection between the housing (2) and the cable (4) are designed to be liquid-tight.