Rotatable Extension Cable Segmented Body
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extension cables lack versatility in design and orientation options due to fixed configurations that only allow changes in length and width, limiting their usability and design flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The extension cable features rotatable parts with a connection interface comprising a groove and recess system, allowing parts to rotate up to 90°, enabling varying orientations and configurations, including parts with outlets in different planes, without the need for special connections, using a cable slightly longer than the distance between parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the extension cable uses a fixed configuration with parts connected in a plane parallel to the outlet plane, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility and orientation options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The extension cable body is divided into multiple rotatable parts, each with outlets that can be independently oriented. This segmentation allows each part to rotate relative to others, providing versatile orientation options while keeping each individual part relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between parts is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the outlet plane, enabling rotation in a different dimensional plane. This perpendicular arrangement allows outlets to be oriented in multiple directions (up, down, left, right) without complicating the basic connection structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the extension cable allows rotation between parts, then the versatility and configuration options increase, but the cable length and width vary which may cause installation issues
Solution Approach 1:
The extension cable incorporates rotatable joints between parts, making the structure dynamic rather than fixed. This allows the cable to adapt its configuration to different spatial requirements while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the rotation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable length parameter is designed to be slightly greater than the minimum distance between parts, providing enough slack to accommodate rotations without tension. This parameter adjustment ensures ease of installation while enabling full rotational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connection interface is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the outlet plane, then the outlets can have different orientations, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface uses an asymmetric groove-recess design where the groove in one part fits into the recess in the adjacent part. This asymmetric configuration provides natural alignment cues that guide proper orientation during assembly, reducing the actual manufacturing precision required while maintaining the perpendicular plane advantage.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Extension cable that has a body provided with at least two outlets having receptacles for receiving connection pins, and has electrical connection means in its interior, and a cable for connecting to the power supply, which has a connection pin at the end that exits said body, the body consisting of at least two parts, each part comprising at least one of said outlets and the parts being connected by means for allowing parts to rotate relative to one another, wherein the connection interface between two parts is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the outlets of said two parts, the axis of the relative rotation between parts being perpendicular to the plane of the connection interface.