Portable device comprising an electrical cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable electrical devices, such as hand blenders, face safety issues due to permanently fixed power cables, which lead to overheating and potential fires when cables are not correctly engaged, and require costly professional disassembly for repairs. Additionally, existing removable cable systems lack automatic locking mechanisms, increasing the risk of electrocution in humid environments and complicating handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a mechanical safety system that locks the motor in a deactivated position unless the power cable is correctly engaged, combined with an automatic locking mechanism for the cable and housing, and ergonomic features like raised portions for hanging and cable winding to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electric power cable is permanently fixed to the device's housing, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but repair and replacement require costly professional disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection system is segmented into modular components: a female socket integrated into the housing, a male plug on the cable, and an automatic locking mechanism with spring-loaded elements. This segmentation allows the cable to be easily detached and replaced while maintaining a reliable connection during operation, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and repair ease.
2Ease of repair
If the electric power cable is removable from the device's housing, then cable replacement is easy, but the device may operate without correct cable engagement causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic feedback through spring-loaded locking elements (43, 44) that detect whether the cable plug is correctly engaged with the housing socket. When properly connected, the springs engage to lock the cable in place and enable device operation. If incorrectly connected, the locking mechanism prevents operation, thereby preventing overheating while allowing easy cable replacement.
3Device complexity
If the cable locking mechanism is manual, then the structure is simple, but the cable may accidentally disconnect in humid environments
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through spring-loaded elements (43, 44) that automatically engage when the cable plug is inserted and self-lock without user intervention. The springs provide continuous engagement force, ensuring the cable remains securely connected even in humid environments, while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
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 solution enhances user safety by preventing overheating and electrocution, simplifies repairs, and reduces cable damage, while allowing safe and efficient operation in humid environments and easier handling of heavy devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first element of the male plug is able to engage with said locking means, to free the means of activation in order to be able to activate the motor
Implementation Method 2
said second element having a means of elastic recoil towards a locking position and a first stop which, in the locking position, locks the means of activating the motor of the device in a deactivated position
Implementation Method 3
an electrical power cable with a male plug able to engage with said female socket... an electric motor connected to a housing comprising a female electrical socket
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device has an electric motor connected to a housing with a female electrical socket, and electrical power cable with a male plug and an electrical safety device. The safety device has a first element borne by the male plug and a second element located within the housing. The second element has a locking element to lock an activation element for activating the motor in a deactivated position. The first element of the male plug is configured to engage with the locking element to free the activation element to activate the motor.