Power Coupler Self-Locking Mechanism to Reduce Electric Shock Risk
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooking utensils with power couplers pose a risk of electric shock due to the separation of input and output ends, allowing users to easily touch the input end and come into contact with electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A power coupler with a self-locking mechanism that automatically switches between locked and unlocked states, preventing the input end from being exposed when separated from the output end, thereby reducing the risk of electric shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the input end assembly is separable from the output end assembly to enable charging function, then the user can easily charge the device, but the input end becomes easily accessible to users, increasing electric shock risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing cover is pre-positioned to cover the slot port before connection, and the self-locking structure is pre-configured to automatically engage when the input end assembly is separated from the output end assembly. This preliminary arrangement ensures that safety protection is already in place before the user can accidentally contact the conductive member, resolving the contradiction between charging convenience and electric shock risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing cover is always closed to protect the conductive member, then user safety is improved, but the connection and disconnection operations become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing cover transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic system that can automatically open during connection and automatically close during disconnection. The self-locking structure enables this dynamic behavior by providing automatic locking when separated and automatic unlocking when connected, eliminating the need for manual intervention and resolving the contradiction between safety and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing cover and self-locking structure work together as a self-service system that automatically opens when the input end assembly is connected to the output end assembly and automatically closes when separated. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for user intervention to manage the sealing cover, simultaneously ensuring safety and operational convenience.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a self-locking structure is added to prevent accidental opening, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking structure is merged with the sealing cover assembly, where the locking and sealing functions are integrated into a single coordinated system. The stopper and groove features are incorporated directly into the existing sealing cover and input end base structures, rather than adding entirely separate locking mechanisms. This merging approach provides the necessary safety function while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A power coupler includes an input end assembly and an output end assembly separably coupled to the input end assembly. The input end assembly includes an input end base including a slot, a sealing cover arranged at the input end base, an input conductive member arranged at the input end base and connected to an external power supply, and a self-locking structure. The sealing cover is movable between a closing position to cover a slot port of the slot and an opening position to at least partially open the slot port. The self-locking structure is switchable between a locked state to limit the sealing cover from moving towards the opening position and an unlocked state to not limit the sealing cover. The output end assembly includes an output conductive member configured to extend into the slot and be connected to the input conductive member.