Cordless Appliance Power Connector for Polarity-Selective Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cordless electrical connectors for domestic appliances face challenges in efficiently managing multiple functional components beyond the main power-drawing component, as increasing the number of terminals leads to larger, heavier connectors and higher costs, and existing solutions do not effectively allow two components to share electrical connections for selective energization.
Innovation Solution
A cordless electrical connector system that connects two functional components to a shared pair of electrical connections, allowing selective energization by reversing the polarities of the connections, using a unidirectional switch like a diode to control current flow between the components, and an electronic control unit in the base to manage this switching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals in the cordless connection system is increased to support multiple functional components, then the functionality and versatility of the appliance is improved, but the connector becomes larger, heavier, and more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pair of electrical connections to serve multiple functional components through polarity-based selective energization. The connector system allows different components to be activated depending on the polarity configuration, making one connection pair perform the work of multiple dedicated connections, thereby reducing connector size and weight while maintaining versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals in the cordless connection system is increased to support multiple functional components, then the functionality and versatility of the appliance is improved, but the cost of the connector system is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by making electrical connections universal and multi-functional. Instead of requiring separate dedicated terminals for each functional component, the system uses a single pair of connections that can be configured to energize different components based on polarity. This reduces the number of terminals, contact points, and associated manufacturing steps, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining the ability to support multiple functions
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of terminals in the cordless connection system is increased to support multiple functional components, then the functionality and versatility of the appliance is improved, but the difficulty of engaging the two connector parts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies connector engagement by reducing the number of terminals and contact points that must be aligned during connection. With fewer terminals required in the connector system, the engagement process becomes less complex and more tolerant of misalignment, making it easier for users to connect and disconnect the appliance while still supporting multiple functional components through intelligent polarity-based control
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
This solution enables convenient switching between two functional components using a single connection pair, simplifies control circuitry, and reduces the need for additional electrical connections, while maintaining efficient power management and functionality without digital control commands.
Implementation Method 1
using a unidirectional switch like a diode to control current flow between the components
Data Source
AI summary
A cordless electrical appliance comprises an appliance part comprising at least two functional components (T1, M1) and a base for supplying electrical power to the appliance part. A cordless electrical connector (6) makes electrical connection between the appliance part and the base part in use. Both of the functional components (T1, M1) are connected between a pair of electrical connections provided by the connector (6) and arranged such that at least one of the functional components (T1, M1) is selectively energised in response to a change in the relative polarities of the two electrical connections. A switch such as a diode (D1) may be provided between the two functional components (T1, M1), so as to switch ON or OFF the current to a functional component (T1, M1) depending on the polarity of the connections.