Magnetic Charging Adapter for Blind Battery Plug Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging adapters for blinds and electric curtains with DC batteries face issues such as fragile power cords, cumbersome plug connections, incorrect alignment, wear, and damage due to misalignment or high withdrawal forces, especially during maintenance or cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A charging adapter with magnetic plug connectors that ensure correct alignment and secure connection through magnetic attraction, reducing wear and damage by using flexible power cords with magnetically connected plugs and internal wiring for stable electrical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin power cord with small plugs is used to connect the power supply to the battery, then the charging adapter can be compact and portable, but the connection becomes fragile and susceptible to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a strain relief structure at the junction between the power cord and the plug housing. This structure includes a reinforced area with increased material thickness and a curved transition zone that absorbs mechanical stress before it reaches the electrical contacts, preventing damage from bending and pulling forces
Solution Approach 2:
The plug housing is constructed using composite materials combining rigid plastic for structural integrity and flexible rubber or silicone for the outer jacket and strain relief portions. This combination provides both mechanical strength and flexibility, protecting the internal electrical components while maintaining durability
2Volume of moving object
If small plugs are used for the charging adapter, then the device can be compact, but the connection requires high placement accuracy and is cumbersome to connect
Solution Approach 1:
The plug design incorporates asymmetric features including a non-symmetric arrangement of electrical pins and corresponding socket contacts, along with an asymmetric housing shape that has different dimensions on opposite sides. This asymmetry creates a unique orientation that guides proper insertion and prevents incorrect connection attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a alignment guide structure consisting of protrusions on one plug and corresponding recesses on the mating plug. These intermediary features engage first during insertion, establishing correct orientation before the main electrical contacts make connection, thereby simplifying the connection process despite the small size of the plugs
3Ease of operation
If the plugs are forced or turned wrongly into one another, then connection can be achieved, but the plugs are spoiled or worn by the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
The plug and socket are designed with complementary asymmetric shapes and alignment features that physically prevent incorrect insertion orientations. The housing geometry and contact arrangement create mechanical interference if attempted in wrong orientation, stopping the user before damage can occur to the electrical contacts
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible buffer element made of rubber or elastomeric material is positioned around the electrical contacts and within the plug housing. This buffer absorbs insertion forces and provides a compliant interface that tolerates minor misalignments without damaging the precise electrical contacts, cushioning the interaction before damage can occur
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic plug system ensures easy, secure, and durable connections, preventing wear and damage, while allowing for efficient charging of blinds and electric curtains batteries.
Implementation Method 1
A charging adapter with magnetic plug connectors that ensure correct alignment and secure connection through magnetic attraction
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a charging adapter 30, 40 for charging a battery 20, 50 of a solar blind, a roller blind, a roman blind, a Venetian blind, a pleated blind, an electric curtain all having the battery 20, 50, the battery 20, 50 being charged by an output 14 of an external power supply 10, the charging adapter 30, 40 comprising a first plug converter 30 and a second plug converter 40, the first plug converter 30 having a first plug 34 and a second plug 36, the first plug converter 30 connectable to the second plug converter 40, the second plug converter 40 comprising a flexible cord 42 having a third plug 44 at one end of the flexible cord 42, and a fourth plug 46 at the other end of the flexible cord 42, the fourth plug 46 magnetically connectible with the second plug 36.