Steam Generator Base Cable Recess for Secure Underside Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household steam ironing appliances face manufacturing complexities and increased costs due to varying plug types required for different countries, and manual testing of electrical connections is cumbersome and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A steam-generating base with a cable connector located on the underside of the appliance, featuring a groove with clamping means and an angled connector, allowing for automatic connection and secure attachment, facilitating production line testing and preventing involuntary disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of plugs are used for different countries, then the device can be adapted to various electrical networks, but the manufacturing logistics become complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with a universal internal connector that can accept different types of plugs (Europlug, Schuko, etc.) through a single cavity opening on the underside. This allows the same base unit to be used across multiple countries with different plug types, eliminating the need to manufacture separate versions for each electrical standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector cavity is positioned on the underside of the base, allowing the opening to face downward. This orientation enables plugs to be inserted from below, providing access from an unexpected direction and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining adaptability to various plug types.
2Reliability
If manual connection testing is performed at the control station, then electrical functionality can be verified, but the testing operation becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector cavity opens on the underside of the base, allowing test plugs to be accessed from below the device. This orientation enables automated testing equipment to connect to the base without requiring manual intervention, as robots or automated systems can easily approach from the underside position.
Solution Approach 2:
The base design allows it to be self-tested by automatically connecting to a standardized test plug positioned in the cavity opening, enabling automated functional verification without requiring operator intervention for each testing operation.
3Ease of operation
If the connector is placed on the side of the base, then it is accessible for connection, but it becomes unsightly and can be disconnected involuntarily when traction is exerted on the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The connector cavity is repositioned from the side of the base to the underside, with the opening facing downward. This relocates the connection point to a position where cables naturally route away from the base, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of connection during proper installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove with clamping means pre-positioned in the cavity opening creates a mechanical constraint that prevents the cable from being pulled out inadvertently. The clamping structure anticipates and counteracts the force of traction before disconnection can occur.
4Reliability
If a groove with clamping means is implemented, then the cable is securely held and disconnection is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The groove and clamping means are integrated directly into the cavity opening structure itself, rather than being separate components. This merging of functions allows the connector housing to serve multiple purposes: providing the cavity opening, forming the groove for cable positioning, and incorporating the clamping mechanism, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping means are localized specifically within the groove area of the cavity opening, providing enhanced security only where the cable needs to be held, while the rest of the connector structure remains simple and uncluttered.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a household electrical appliance comprising a steam-generating base (1) and an ironing and/or smoothing device (3) connected together by a cord (2), said base (1) being supplied with electricity by a cable (4) intended for being connected to a domestic grid, the cable (4) comprising one end provided with a connector (41) making it possible to connect the cable (4) electrically to a connector (12) with a complementary shape supported by the base (1) and accessible from the outside of the base (1), characterised in that said connector (12) with complementary shape is arranged at the bottom of a recess (13) made on a lower surface (11) of the base (1), the lower surface (11) comprising a groove (14) in which the cable (4) is positioned when the cable (4) is connected to the base (1), said groove (14) comprising means (14A, 14B) for holding the cable (4) and maintaining same in the groove (14).