Thermal Sensor in Electrical Adapter Connector
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical adapter assemblies can cause cable overheating and damage due to excessive electrical power input, posing a risk to users.
Innovation Solution
An electrical adapter assembly with a thermal sensor in the connector that monitors temperature and automatically cuts off current when it exceeds safe levels, preventing overheating and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the adapter accepts high power electricity (200W) input, then the power transmission capability is improved, but the cable may be overheated and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent installs a thermal sensor in the connector before the cable connection is made. This sensor proactively monitors temperature at the critical heating point (connector-cable interface) before overheating can cause damage. The system takes preliminary protective action by detecting temperature rise early in the heating process, allowing preventive current cutoff before the cable reaches dangerous temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the thermal sensor continuously monitors temperature and sends signals to the circuit board. When the sensor detects temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold, it triggers the circuit board to automatically cutoff the electrical current. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the system responds dynamically to temperature conditions, maintaining safety while allowing high power operation within safe temperature limits.
2Device complexity
If the cable is used without temperature monitoring, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and user safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal sensor as an intermediary component between the electrical circuit and the cable connection point. This sensor acts as a mediator that indirectly monitors the thermal condition of the cable without requiring complex instrumentation throughout the cable assembly. By placing the sensor at the critical connector interface, the system achieves reliable temperature monitoring with minimal added complexity, maintaining simplicity while significantly improving safety.
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
Effectively prevents cable damage and user injury by ensuring safe temperature levels during electrical power transmission, enhancing safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The connector further has an outer surface, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a thermal sensor. The thermal sensor is mounted in the inner space of the connector. Because the thermal sensor can sense the temperature in the connector and cut off the current when the temperature is too high
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical adapter assembly has a cable and an adapter. The cable has a distal end having a plug and a proximal end having a connector. The connector comprises a shell having an inner space, a first end and a second end having an output hole allowing the cable to be mounted in the inner space. The second end of the connector has an outer surface, a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a thermal sensor mounted in the inner space of the connector. The adapter connects to the cable and has a circuit board and a socket corresponding to the plug. Because the thermal sensor can sense the temperature in the connector and cut off the current when the temperature is too high, the cable will not be damaged and users will not be in danger.