Portable Charger Plug with Approach and Tensile Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable charger systems lack safety features to prevent accidents caused by unintended unplugging during charging, which can lead to electrical hazards such as arc-based flames.
Innovation Solution
A portable charger equipped with a plug, electric wire, switch, first detection unit (such as a pressure switch or touch sensor) to detect user approach, and a control unit that cuts off power when unplugging is detected, ensuring safe operation by preventing current flow when the plug is unplugged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug is unplugged from the wall electric power source during charging operation, then the user can access or move the plug, but arc-based flame and electrical hazards occur due to high level current
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting user approach to the plug before unplugging occurs. The detection unit senses when a user approaches the plug, and the control unit proactively shuts off the relay to disconnect power before the plug is actually unplugged, preventing arc-based flame and electrical hazards from occurring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing a detection unit that monitors for user approach to the plug. When approach is detected, the control unit activates the relay to cut off power flow in advance, creating a counter-action that prevents the harmful effect of arc-based flame and electrical hazards that would otherwise occur during unplugging
2Ease of operation
If the electric power switch is installed at a predetermined distance from the electric wire, then the current flow can be disconnected manually, but the user may still be exposed to accidents due to mistake or intentional unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a detection unit that continuously monitors for user approach to the plug. When the detection unit senses user approach, it provides feedback to the control unit, which then automatically activates the relay to shut off power, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds to user actions in real-time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect user approach and shut off power without requiring manual intervention. The detection unit and control unit work together to autonomously prevent hazardous situations, eliminating the need for user awareness or manual switching during critical moments
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 system effectively prevents damage from abnormal unplugging by detecting user interaction and tensile forces, thereby ensuring electrical safety during charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a strain gauge whose resistance value increases in accordance with a tensile force that occurs in the electric wire
Implementation Method 2
a pressure switch that is disposed in the plug and that is configured to switch in accordance with a pressure generating based on the grasping of the plug
Implementation Method 3
a touch sensor that is disposed in the plug and that is configured to detect the touching of an external object that occurs in the plug
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a portable charger connected to a wall electric power source and configured to supply an electric power from the wall electric power source to a load. The portable charger includes a plug, an electric wire, a switch, a first detection unit, a second detection unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to supply an electric power through the electric wire to the load when the plug is plugged in the socket and to cut off the supply of the electric power flowing through the electric wire by controlling the switch on the basis of the user's approach that is detected by the first detection unit, and the tensile force that is detected by the second detection unit while the electric power is being supplied.