Swivel Cable Jack for Power Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power tools with swivelling cable supporting devices have limited options for positioning the cable connection jack and routing the cable, leading to discomfort during tool handling and inadequate cable protection, especially in multiple tool arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A power tool with a swivel unit comprising two rotatable heads and a lock mechanism that allows the cable connection jack to be universally positioned and securely locked in various orientations, enabling flexible cable routing and improved handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cable connection jack is used, then the structure is simple, but the cable routing options are limited and handling is uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The cable connection jack is transformed from a fixed position to a movable one through the swivel unit, allowing it to rotate and swivel to different positions. This dynamic positioning capability provides multiple cable routing options while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable connection system is divided into separate functional components: the jack, the swivel unit, and the housing. This segmentation allows the jack to be independently positioned through the swivel mechanism while keeping the main housing structure simple, thus improving cable routing versatility without significantly increasing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the jack is made movable to improve handling, then cable routing flexibility increases, but the risk of cable damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible cable conduit is introduced to protect the cable as it routes through the movable swivel unit. This flexible protective sheath allows the cable to bend and move with the jack's positioning while preventing damage from friction, pinching, or exposure to external elements, thus maintaining both ease of operation and cable reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable is pre-protected by routing it through a protective conduit before it reaches vulnerable areas. This beforehand cushioning ensures that even when the jack is moved to different positions for improved handling, the cable is already shielded against potential damage, maintaining reliability while enabling operational flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a swivel unit is added to position the jack universally, then cable routing and handling improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel unit is designed with universal positioning capability, allowing the jack to be oriented in multiple directions and positions. This single multi-functional mechanism replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate cable routing solutions, improving jack positioning versatility while actually reducing overall device complexity through consolidation.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An electric power tool comprises a housing (10) , a motor (11) , a jack (16) for receiving a connection plug of an electric cable, and a swivel unit (17) mounted on the housing (10) and carrying the jack (16) , wherein the swivel unit (17) comprises a first head (24) mounted on the housing (10) for rotation about a first axis (A) , a second head (25) mounted on the first head (24) for rotation about a second axis (B) . The first and second axes (A, B) form an angle (a) between them, and provide for a freedom of rotation of the jack (16) , thereby providing for a positioning of the jack (16) and routing of a connected cable in desired directions relative to the housing (10).