Transparent Power Cable for Aesthetic Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power cables and adaptors are visually conspicuous, detracting from the aesthetic appeal of electronic devices and interfering with their design, especially when exposed, as they are typically black or brightly colored and not designed to match modern, slimmed-down electronic device designs.
Innovation Solution
A power cable with conducting wires arranged in parallel and coated with a transparent material, featuring transparent electrodes with metal ends, and a power adaptor with a configuration that includes AC/DC conversion, main and standby voltage suppliers, and a switching unit to manage power modes, all integrated with a transparent DC cable that minimizes visibility by transmitting light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power cable uses a thick insulating outer coating of black or primary color, then electrical insulation and safety are improved, but the cable becomes visually conspicuous and deteriorates the overall appearance of the electronic device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the color change principle by transitioning from traditional black or primary color coatings to transparent or translucent coatings. This allows the cable to maintain its insulating properties while becoming visually inconspicuous, effectively changing its optical appearance from opaque to transparent to blend with the background or match the electronic device aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining transparent coating layers with metallic shielding layers and insulating materials. The transparent coating serves both aesthetic purposes and protective functions, while the metallic shielding provides electromagnetic interference protection, creating a multi-functional composite structure that addresses both appearance and reliability requirements.
2Shape
If a power cable uses a transparent material coating, then the cable becomes invisible and matches the electronic device design, but the manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for transparent electrodes with metal ends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the conducting wire structure into distinct segments: transparent electrode portions and metal end portions. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function - the transparent portions maintain visibility while the metal ends provide reliable electrical connections, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by treating different sections separately with appropriate materials and methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by applying different material properties to different locations of the cable. The transparent coating is applied where visual inconspicuousness is needed, while metal ends are applied at connection points where electrical conductivity and mechanical strength are critical. This localized application of different material qualities optimizes both appearance and functionality without unnecessarily complicating the entire cable structure.
3Shape
If the power cable is made transparent, then it transmits light and becomes nearly invisible, but the structural integrity and protection of conducting wires may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to combine the optical properties of transparent coatings with the mechanical strength of metallic shielding layers and robust insulating materials. This multi-layer composite structure ensures that while the outer appearance remains transparent and aesthetically pleasing, the internal structure maintains sufficient strength and protection for the conducting wires throughout the cable's service life.
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
The solution renders the power cable and adaptor nearly invisible, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of electronic devices while ensuring electrical safety and functionality, particularly suitable for applications like TVs where design and visibility are critical.
Implementation Method 1
an outer coating surrounding the plurality of conducting wires and formed of a transparent material
Implementation Method 2
a metal material is bonded to the both ends of the transparent electrode; and characterized that metal electrodes are formed at both ends of the transparent electrodes and the metal material is bonded to the transparent electrode by the metal electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A power cable and a power adaptor including the same are disclosed. The disclosed power adaptor comprises: an adaptor body; and a cable connected to the adaptor body, wherein the cable includes a plurality of conducting wires, which are arranged to be spaced in parallel to one another, and an outer skin, made of a transparent material, surrounding the plurality of conducting wires.