| 摘要 |
A selective memory cable 230 comprises a body 241 with one or more wires N, L, P, E accommodated therein, a first means for biasing a region of the body; and a second means for biasing all, or part, of the region of the body, wherein the second means is responsive to an external stimulus (e.g. electrical, mechanical or thermal). The first biasing means may be a thermoplastic elastomer forming the inner core 234. The second biasing means may be a one or more shape-memory alloy wires 236, or mesh, that may be formed within an outer sheath 232 of the cable. In a first, passive state 230ef, the cable 230 is biased to adopt a shape (e.g. spiral, coil or other helical type shape), dictated by the first biasing means, in which the cable 230 may be easily stored. In a second, active state 230s, an external stimulus, e.g. electrical current flowing through wires 236, is activated and the cable 230 is biased to adopt a different shape (e.g. straight), such that it no longer presents a trip hazard. The invention finds particular use in charging electrical vehicles (EV) but may be used with portable electric equipment (e.g. lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, etc.). |
