Rotatable Magnetic Electrical Connector for Appliance Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical connectors are cumbersome to install and maintain, pose tripping hazards due to cords, and limit appliance repositioning, especially in confined spaces, and do not provide stability against tipping.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable magnetic electrical connector system with a male and female component that uses magnetic force for secure connection and allows 360-degree rotation, eliminating the need for tools and cords, and featuring a tapered shape for secure mating without additional alignment means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional threaded electrical connectors are used, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but installation and maintenance become cumbersome and tool-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threaded connection system with a magnetic field-based attraction system. The male and female connector components utilize magnetic attraction forces to achieve secure electrical connection without requiring threads, screws, or other mechanical fastening mechanisms, thereby enabling tool-free installation and maintenance while maintaining reliable electrical contact
2Use of energy by moving object
If cord-based power connection is used, then electrical power is delivered to appliances, but tripping hazards and instability against tipping occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cord from the power delivery system. By using embedded magnetic connectors within the appliance base and corresponding female connectors in power outlets, the system removes the external cord that creates tripping hazards, while maintaining electrical power delivery through the cordless magnetic connection
3Use of energy by moving object
If cord-based power connection is used, then appliances can be powered, but repositioning requires unplugging and repositioning the entire cord assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power connection system into separate male and female magnetic connector components. The male connector is integrated into the appliance base while the female connector is installed in the power outlet. This segmentation allows the appliance to be repositioned by simply detaching and reattaching the compact male connector without moving the entire cord assembly, greatly facilitating appliance repositioning
4Reliability
If traditional connectors are used in confined spaces, then electrical connection is achieved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky mechanical connector housings and cord assemblies with compact magnetic connector components. The male and female connectors have simplified structures without large threaded sections or cord management features, reducing their footprint and enabling installation in confined spaces such as tight ceiling areas, narrow furniture gaps, and limited wall spaces
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
Enables easy, tool-free installation and maintenance, reduces tripping hazards, allows for appliance repositioning without cord reconnection, and provides stability against tipping and lateral forces with a small footprint, facilitating modular and safe electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
One of either the male component or the female component comprises a magnet mounted thereon, and the other of the male component or the female component comprises a magnet-sensitive material, so that the male and female components are attracted together by magnetic force.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable quick disconnect electrical connector assembly is provided. The assembly includes a male component and a female component, which have a mating fit together and which have an electrical connection when in mating contact. The connection is further enhanced by magnetic attraction, one of either the male or female components having a magnetic material and the other having a magnet-sensitive material. Each of the male and female components has a generally circular cross-section, to permit relative rotation through unlimited degrees in clockwise and counterclockwise directions. The components may be made separately. A system of such connectors is also provided (e.g. for displays).