Waterproof Cordless Connector for Dishwasher-Washable Appliances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless electrical connectors in domestic appliances, such as food processors and kettles, are difficult to clean manually and often require regular cleaning, which is time-consuming and challenging, especially when they contain food or liquids other than water.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates sealing means, such as gasket seals and elastomer covers, to embed or cover current-carrying components, allowing for easy attachment and detachment from the appliance, and includes drainage holes and a residual current protector to facilitate washing in a dishwasher, preventing water accumulation and ensuring safety against electric shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cordless electrical connectors are used in domestic appliances, then power supply and detachable functionality are improved, but cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a removable connector body and a fixed base portion. The connector body can be detached from the appliance and washed separately in a dishwasher, while the base remains fixed. This segmentation allows the cleaning task to be performed on separate, manageable parts rather than the entire appliance assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The current-carrying components are extracted from the main connector body and embedded within sealing means (gasket seals and elastomer covers). This extraction allows the sealing means to form a protective barrier that prevents water ingress while enabling the outer surface to be easily cleaned.
2Reliability
If sealing means are added to protect current-carrying components, then water-proofing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated sealing means that combines gasket seals and elastomer covers. This unified sealing structure protects all current-carrying components simultaneously, providing comprehensive water-proofing without requiring multiple separate sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing means serves multiple functions: it provides water-proofing for current-carrying components, forms a mechanical connection between the connector body and base, and creates a smooth outer surface that is easy to clean. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If drainage holes are added to prevent water accumulation, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage holes are designed to utilize gravity and natural water flow to drain accumulated water from the connector body. The positioning and sizing of the holes are optimized to allow water to drain automatically without requiring additional active pumping or complex drainage mechanisms.
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 enables easy cleaning of cordless appliances by allowing them to be washed in a dishwasher, reducing manual cleaning time and ensuring effective water-proofing and safety features to prevent electric shock.
Implementation Method 1
a seal is provided between the appliance and the electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
drainage holes...to facilitate washing in a dishwasher, preventing water accumulation
Data Source
Figure 1a~1e
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3
AI summary
A domestic electrical appliance has a base component (18; 42), including a 360° water-proof cordless electrical connector (10), sealed against a bottom section (32) of the appliance so as to waterproof the appliance.