Shallow electrical protection device (GFCI, AFCI and AFCI / GFCI) system and method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to a shallow electrical protection device (GFCI, AFCI, and AFCI / GFCI) system and method. A resettable switch device useful in a GFCI outlet has a housing with a faceplate and at least one sensing transformer core positioned to define a current flow direction parallel to the faceplate through a central cavity. The GFCI outlet further includes a space-saving coaxial construction in which a mechanical latch for resetting (i.e., closing) the main switch contacts is disposed within the trip solenoid. A movable carriage for the main contacts spans one end of the solenoid and has a latching portion in the solenoid that engages the inner end of the reset plunger in two continuous states (i.e., unlocked and latched). The mechanical latching device includes a cam surface coupled to a lifting plate that is connected to the carriage of the GFCI outlet. The cam surface is responsible for converting downward motion into translational motion to engage the carriage with the remaining plungers.

Description

[0001] Information about divisional applications

[0002] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of December 6, 2018, application number "201880081926.4", and invention name "Shallow electrical protection device (GFCI, AFCI and AFCI / GFCI) system and method".

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 595,760, filed December 7, 2017, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] This application contains subject matter related to that contained in U.S. Patent No. 8,830,015 B2, entitled “COMPACT LATCHING MECHANISM FOR SWITCHEDELECTRICAL DEVICE,” to Kenny Padro et al., assigned to the assignee of the present application, and the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0006] Embodiments relate to switching electrical devices, and more particularly, to circuit interruption devices. Background Art

[0007] When one or more conditions are detected, circuit interrupting devices, such as ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) devices, switch from a "reset" or latched state to a "tripped" or unlocked state. GFCI devices having contacts that are biased toward an open position require a latching mechanism to set and hold the contacts in the closed position. Similarly, switching electrical devices having contacts that are biased toward a closed position require a latching mechanism to set and hold the contacts in the open position. Examples of conventional types of devices include circuit interrupting type devices such as circuit breakers, arc fault interrupters, and GFCIs, to name a few.

[0008] Many electrical outlets have built-in ground fault protection circuitry, or GFCI outlets. Such protection circuitry and associated mechanisms typically occupy a significant amount of physical space within the outlet housing, the size of which is limited by the standard junction box into which they must be installed. The embodiments disclosed herein attempt to address these issues by providing a more compact device, thereby enabling a shallower outlet and more space for other components and / or features. Summary of the Invention

[0009] One embodiment discloses an electrical outlet receptacle comprising: a housing including a faceplate; and a plurality of sensing cores, each configured to receive a current passing through a central cavity. The current defines a direction of current passing through the central cavity, wherein the current direction is parallel to the faceplate, and the plurality of sensing cores are symmetrically positioned at opposite ends of the electrical outlet receptacle in a translational direction.

[0010] Another embodiment discloses an electrical outlet receptacle comprising: a housing including a faceplate; and a sensing core configured to receive a current passing through a central cavity. The current defines a direction of current flow through the central cavity of the sensing core, wherein the direction of current flow is parallel to the faceplate.

[0011] Another embodiment discloses an electrical outlet receptacle comprising: a circuit board defining a first plane; a set of stationary contacts; a set of movable contacts; a solenoid having a central axis perpendicular to the first plane; a carriage movable along the solenoid and configured to interact with the set of movable contacts; a lifter slidably coupled to a slot in the carriage and movable in a translational direction perpendicular to the central axis of the solenoid; a sliding mechanism coupled to the lifter and movable in the translational direction of the lifter; a reset plunger having a portion extending through a first end of the solenoid and movable axially therein; and an armature movable axially along the portion of the reset plunger extending through the solenoid. The circuit board includes at least one contact pad. The solenoid includes a second end opposite the first end. The carriage is adapted to advance the set of movable contacts into electrical communication with the set of stationary contacts during resetting of the electrical outlet receptacle. The lifter includes a latching portion. The sliding mechanism includes a cam surface to convert a downward force into a translational force applied to the coupled lift frame. The reset plunger includes an intermediate collar configured to engage the latch portion of the lift frame. The armature includes an inclined protrusion configured to contact the cam surface of the sliding mechanism and provide the downward force on the cam surface.

[0012] Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Aspects and features of the various exemplary embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the description of these exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a socket incorporating a resettable switching device of the present application;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a front perspective view of the receptacle with the front and rear covers and the tamper-proof mechanism removed;

[0016] Figure 3 is a front perspective view illustrating a configuration of a set of movable contacts and a set of fixed contacts according to one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 4A is a front perspective view of a carrier assembly of a socket according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4B is a front perspective view of a carrier assembly of a socket according to another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 5A is a front perspective view of a core assembly of the socket;

[0020] Figure 5B is a front perspective view showing the configuration of a sensing transformer core according to one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 5C is a front perspective view showing the configuration of a sensing transformer core according to another embodiment;

[0022] Figure 6A is a side perspective view of a core assembly of a socket according to one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 6B is a side perspective view of a core assembly of a socket according to another embodiment;

[0024] Figure 7 is an exploded front perspective view of a solenoid assembly according to one embodiment;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An assembled front perspective view of the solenoid assembly;

[0026] Figure 9 is a side perspective view of a reset plunger assembly and a carriage of a solenoid assembly according to one embodiment;

[0027] Figure 10 is similar to Figure 9 Another side perspective view of the reset plunger assembly and the slide at a different angle;

[0028] Figure 11 is a side perspective view of a reset plunger assembly and a latching mechanism according to one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 12AA two-piece latching mechanism design according to one embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0030] Figures 12B to 12C A one-piece latching mechanism design according to one embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0031] Figure 13 yes Figure 7 a bottom perspective view of a solenoid assembly;

[0032] Figure 14A is a side perspective view of the solenoid assembly in a rest position;

[0033] Figure 14B yes Figure 14A a side perspective view of the reset plunger assembly and latching mechanism of the solenoid assembly shown;

[0034] Figures 15 to 18 is a side perspective view of the reset plunger assembly and latch mechanism in progressive states during the reset process; and

[0035] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the solenoid assembly in the reset position.

[0036] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a printed circuit board and coil of a socket according to some embodiments.

[0037] Figure 21 is coupled to a manifold of a socket according to some embodiments Figure 20 Perspective view of the printed circuit board and coil. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Before explaining any embodiments of the present application in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present application is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0039] As described herein, terms such as "front," "rear," "side," "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "upward," and "downward" are intended to facilitate describing the electrical receptacle of the present application and are not intended to limit the structure of the present application to any particular position or orientation.

[0040] Exemplary embodiments of devices consistent with the present application include one or more novel mechanical features and / or electrical features described in detail below. Such features may include a compactly positioned sensing core, a vertical solenoid, and a latching mechanism comprising a lift, a sliding mechanism, an intermediate collar, and a cam surface. In some exemplary embodiments of the present application, multiple features listed above are combined into one component, while in other exemplary embodiments, each feature is distinct from one another and coupled to interact with one another. The novel mechanical features and / or electrical features described in detail herein efficiently utilize space within the device housing, thereby providing more area for additional features and / or components.

[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view of a GFCI receptacle 10 according to one embodiment of the present application is shown. GFCI receptacle 10 includes a front cover 12 having an outlet face 14 with a phase opening 16, a neutral opening 18, and a ground opening 20. The outlet face 14 also has a central opening 22 for a reset button 24, adjacent to an opening 26 for a test button 28. A rear cover 36 is secured to the front cover 12 by screws (not shown or illustrated). When the receptacle 10 is wired, screw terminals 38 mechanically and / or electrically couple the wires. A grounding yoke / bridge assembly 40 includes standard mounting ears 42 that protrude from the end of the receptacle 10.

[0042] refer to Figure 2 , the GFCI outlet 10 with the front cover 12, rear cover 36 and tamper-proof mechanism (not shown) removed shows the phase terminal 30, neutral terminal 32, ground terminal 34 and circuit board 58. The phase terminal 30, neutral terminal 32 and ground terminal 34 are each configured to receive an electrical plug 35 for connecting an electrical device such as a power cord. The circuit board 58 provides controls and physical support for most of the working components of the outlet 10. The phase terminal 30 and neutral terminal 32 can be moved, supported and energized by bus bars 44, 46, respectively. The bus bars 44, 46 act as cantilevers that support a set of contacts 48. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 , the set of contacts 48 includes a set of movable contacts 48A and a set of fixed contacts 48B. Bus bars 44 and 46 serve as cantilever supports for the set of movable contacts 48A, while the set of fixed contacts 48B is supported by carrier assembly 8. In other embodiments of the present application not described in detail herein, this configuration may be reversed or modified. In various embodiments, an indicator light L may be included in the GFCI outlet 10 and configured to indicate the status of the GFCI outlet 10.

[0043] The resiliency of the cantilever support provided by bus bars 44, 46 biases the set of movable contacts 48A away from the set of fixed contacts 48B. A latching mechanism comprising a movable carriage, described in further detail in the following figures, is used to engage the set of movable contacts 48A, thereby urging the set of movable contacts 48A in an upward direction to engage the set of fixed contacts 48B in the closed position during resetting of the GFCI outlet 10. This upward movement of the set of movable contacts 48A also causes a corresponding upward movement of the mating phase and neutral terminals 30, 32 closer to the front cover 12 of the outlet 10. Power can then be delivered from the external power source to the outlet openings 16, 18, 20. In other embodiments, the resiliency of the cantilevered bus bars 44, 46 can bias the set of movable contacts 48A toward the set of fixed contacts 48B, and during a trip of the GFCI outlet 10, a latching mechanism can be employed to engage and hold the set of movable contacts 48A in an open position away from the set of fixed contacts 48B. The phase and neutral terminals 30, 32 can also be positioned further away from the front cover 12, thereby preventing the flow of electricity between the external power source and the outlet openings 16, 18, 20. Various embodiments of the latching mechanism can be used in various application designs, and the details of each are not disclosed in detail herein.

[0044] refer to Figure 4A In addition to providing structural support for the set of stationary contacts 48B, the carrier assembly 8 also provides structural support for the sensing transformer core 50 and the conductor windings 52, 54. Figure 4B In another embodiment shown, the carrier assembly 8 can provide structural support for multiple sets of sense transformer cores 50, 51, as described in further detail below. Various placements of the sense transformer cores 50, 51 are possible and are further described in the following figures.

[0045] Figure 5A Shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the core assembly 2 of the GFCI outlet 10 is depicted. The solenoid 60 is oriented to define a central axis A. Multiple sensing transformer cores 50 can be stacked together and configured to receive phase conductor windings 52 and neutral conductor windings 54 through a common central cavity 56. Additional sets of stacked sensing transformer cores 51 can be added to the carrier assembly 8 (see Figure 4B ) to provide further measurements, such as arc fault measurements, to the GFCI outlet 10. The phase conductor winding 52 and the neutral conductor winding 54 direct the AC current from the phase terminal 30 and the neutral terminal 32, respectively, through the central cavity 56 where the current for a potential ground fault or arc fault can be measured. The AC current passing through the central cavity 56 defines a direction B that is perpendicular to the central axis A of the solenoid 60. Figure 5AIn the embodiment, the two groups of sensing transformer cores 50, 51 are symmetrically placed at the two ends of the circuit board 58, wherein the current directions are parallel to each other. This symmetrical placement results in less or substantially no interference between the sensing transformer cores 50, 51 and the phase opening 16, the neutral opening 18 or the ground opening 20, respectively. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other positioning configurations of the groups of sensing transformer cores are possible and are not exhaustively described herein. For example, the current directions defined by the multiple groups of sensing transformer cores 50, 51 may be at an angle to each other and all parallel to the circuit board 58. The angle defined by the current directions may be acute, right, or obtuse. In Figures 5B to 5C In another example shown, only one sensing transformer core 50 may be included in the GFCI receptacle 10. The sensing transformer core 50 may be placed at either end of the circuit board 58 and in various orientations to provide little or substantially no interference with the phase opening 16, neutral opening 18, or ground opening 20.

[0046] refer to Figures 6A to 6B The solenoid 60 is coupled to a carriage 62 that is movable axially along the solenoid 60. On one hand, the carriage 62 is coupled to a set of carriage springs 64, whose compressive force forces the carriage 62 away from the circuit board 58 in its rest position. On the other hand, the carriage 62 is configured to engage the set of movable contacts 48A, which press downwardly against the carriage 62 when in the unbiased rest position. During the resetting process of the GFCI outlet 10, the carriage 62 opposes the resiliency of the adjacent set of movable contacts 48A to urge the set of movable contacts 48A in an upward direction and into electrical communication with the set of fixed contacts 48B. Once electrical communication with the set of fixed contacts 48B is established, the upward movement of the set of movable contacts 48A ceases. During the tripping process of the GFCI outlet 10, the resiliency of the adjacent set of movable contacts 48A pushes the carriage 62 downwardly back to its original resting position, effectively breaking the electrical connection between the set of movable contacts 48A and the set of fixed contacts 48B. The downward range of motion of the set of movable contacts 48A is limited by a stop plane in the solenoid support structure 61. Once the set of movable contacts 48A encounters the stop plane or returns to its unbiased resting position, it no longer exerts a pushing force on the carriage 62, effectively terminating downward motion and limiting the maximum range of motion of the carriage 62. The resetting and latching of the GFCI outlet 10 can be controlled by the circuit board 58, which receives ground fault and arc fault signal inputs from the sensing transformer cores 50 and 51.

[0047] Figure 7FIG2 shows an exploded view of the solenoid assembly 4 of the GFCI outlet 10 according to one embodiment of the present application. The solenoid assembly 4 includes the reset button 24, the reset spring 68, the solenoid 60, the reset plunger assembly 6, the solenoid support structure 61, and the circuit board 58. In some embodiments, the solenoid support structure 61 is coupled to the circuit board 58 and supports the solenoid 60. Figure 8 When assembled as shown, the reset button 24 is biased away from the solenoid 60 via the return spring 68 as long as no force is applied to the reset button 24. When a force is applied to the reset button 24 and then released, the compressive force of the return spring 68 returns the reset plunger 66 and the reset button 24, which are biased away from the solenoid support structure 61, to their initial resting position. Similarly, in the absence of an externally applied downward force, the carriage 62 is biased away from the circuit board 58 via a set of carriage springs 64. When the external force is removed, the compressive force of the carriage springs 64 returns the carriage 62, which was biased away from the circuit board 58, to its initial position.

[0048] refer to Figures 9 to 11 , the reset plunger assembly 6 includes a reset plunger 66 having an intermediate shaft ring 78 and an armature 70 that is axially movable along the length of the reset plunger 66. The armature 70 includes an inclined protrusion feature 71 that is energized by the solenoid 60 and through which the armature 70 extends. The inclined protrusion feature 71 is configured to engage with a latching mechanism that is structurally supported by the carriage 62 and a set of carriage springs 64. The latching mechanism includes a cam surface 72 coupled to a lifting plate 74. As shown Figure 10 As shown, the lifting plate 74 is coupled through a slot 75 in the carriage 62. Figure 11 As shown, lift plate 74 includes a latch portion 80 that is configured to receive and engage the intermediate collar 78 of reset plunger 66 during resetting and tripping of GFCI receptacle 10. Return spring 76 is coupled to one end of lift plate 74 and is configured to apply a compressive force to one side of carriage 62.

[0049] exist Figures 12A to 12C Two exemplary embodiments of the locking mechanism are shown in FIG. Figure 12A In the two-piece latch mechanism design, cam surface 72A is configured as a separate triangular plate that couples to a channel (not shown) in lift plate 74A. Additionally, a set of tabs 73A at one end of lift plate 74A are configured to engage the edge of cam surface 72A to transfer translational force from cam surface 72A to lift plate 74A. A return spring 76A is positioned between the other end of lift plate 74A and one side of carriage 62A. Locking portion 80A is configured as the only opening in lift plate 74A and receives / engages intermediate collar 78.

[0050] exist Figures 12B to 12CIn the one-piece locking mechanism of the present invention, the cam surface 72B is integrated as an element into the lifting plate 74B. Because the cam surface 72B does not move independently of the lifting plate 74B, a coupling mechanism including a channel (not shown) and a tab 74A is not required in the lifting plate 74B. The lifting plate 74B includes an opening 77B and a locking portion 80B. The return spring 76B is located in the opening 77B and applies a compressive force between the edge of the opening 77B and a side of the carriage 62B. The locking portion 80B is configured to receive / engage the intermediate shaft ring 78. Those skilled in the art will understand that other design possibilities not described in detail herein can be used to achieve essentially the same results and do not depart from the teachings of the present application.

[0051] according to Figure 13 In the illustrated embodiment, a contact spring 82 is coupled to the bottom of the lift plate 74. When in the unlocked, pushed state, described in further detail below, the contact spring 82 is in electrical communication with at least one contact pad (not shown or illustrated) on the circuit board 58. This electrical communication provides a communication signal and power from the circuit board 58 to the solenoid 60, thereby energizing the armature 70 and resetting the GFCI outlet 10.

[0052] The GFCI receptacle 10 according to an embodiment of the present application has four different states: 1) an unlocked state or a tripped state, 2) an unlocked push state, 3) a locked pull state, and 4) a locked state or a reset state. Figures 14A to 14B During the tripped state, the carriage 62 is biased away from the circuit board 58 in a rest position via the carriage spring 64, and thus the contact spring 82 (not shown) is not in electrical communication with at least one contact pad (not shown or enumerated) on the circuit board 58. The set of movable contacts 48A is not engaged with the set of fixed contacts 48B (not shown), and the receptacle terminals 30, 32, 34 remain biased away from the receptacle openings 16, 18, 20 via the cantilevered bus bars 44, 46. Thus, the solenoid 60 receives no external power and is not energized, thereby biasing the inclined protrusion feature 71 of the armature 70 away from the cam surface 72 ( Figure 14B There is no compression force in the return spring 76 and the engagement portion 80 of the lift plate 74 is misaligned to receive the intermediate collar 78 which is biased away from the lift plate 74 .

[0053] Upon receiving a downward push on the reset plunger 66 from the user depressing the reset button 24, the GFCI outlet 10 enters Figure 15In the unlocked push state, the downward force pushes the reset plunger 66 toward the lifting plate 74 until the intermediate collar 78 engages with the upper surface of the engaging portion 80. Since the engaging portion 80 is misaligned with the intermediate collar 78 in the previous trip state, the intermediate collar 78 engages with the upper surface of the engaging portion 80 but does not latch to the upper surface of the engaging portion 80. Therefore, the downward force from the intermediate collar 78 is transferred to the engaging portion 80 and the lifting plate 74, which in turn causes the carriage 62 to move downward through the slot 75 ( Figure 10 ). This downward movement continues until the contact spring 82 (not shown) establishes electrical communication with at least one contact pad (not shown or illustrated) on the circuit board 58. Once in contact, power and communication are sent from the circuit board 58 to the solenoid 60, thereby energizing the solenoid and moving the armature 70 axially along the reset plunger 66 during the positive half cycle of the input AC power. Figure 16 , the inclined protruding feature 71 of the armature 70 engages the cam surface 72, which converts the downward force into a translational force parallel to the circuit board 58. The translational movement of the cam surface 72 also translates the coupled lifting plate 74 against the compressive force of the return spring 76, thereby aligning the engagement portion 80 with the intermediate shaft ring 78. Figure 17 , the user applies a continuous downward force on the reset plunger 66 to advance the intermediate collar 78 through the aligned engagement portion 80. At this point, the solenoid 60 is de-energized during the negative half cycle of the input AC power and retracts axially along the reset plunger 66, as shown in FIG. Figure 18 As shown. The compressive force of return spring 76 pushes against the side of carriage 62, returning lift plate 74 and cam surface 72 to their initial positions. In this initial position, intermediate collar 78 is again misaligned with engagement portion 80. When the user releases the downward force on reset plunger 66, return spring 68 exerts an upward pulling force on reset plunger 66 and intermediate collar 78, latching and locking intermediate collar 78 to the lower surface of engagement portion 80. Thus, GFCI outlet 10 enters the latched, pulled state of the reset process.

[0054] When GFCI outlet 10 is in Figure 19In the latch-pull position shown, the compressive force of the return spring 68 generates an upward force on the reset button 24 and the coupled reset plunger 66. This upward force pulls on the intermediate collar 78 and the latch lift plate 74, which is coupled to the carriage 62 via the slot 75, thereby moving the carriage 62 axially upward along the solenoid 60. The upward axial movement of the carriage 62 opposes the resiliency of the adjacent set of movable contacts 48A and disconnects the contact spring 82 (not shown) from at least one contact pad (not shown or illustrated) on the circuit board 58, thereby preventing further energization of the solenoid 60. The carriage 62 engages the set of movable contacts 48A to form an electrical connection with the set of fixed contacts 48B. As a result, the receptacle terminals 30, 32, 34 also resist the cantilevered bus bars 44, 46 and move closer to the front cover 12. Once electrical communication is established between the set of movable contacts 48A and the set of fixed contacts 48B, electricity can be delivered from the receptacle terminals 30, 32, 34 to the receptacle openings 16, 18, 20 via the bus bars 44, 46. Thus, the GFCI receptacle 10 is fully reset.

[0055] When the sensing transformer cores 50, 51 detect the presence of a fault, the GFCI outlet 10 completes the tripping process. During the tripping process, the GFCI outlet 10 undergoes the states of the reset process in reverse order, thereby unlocking the intermediate collar 78 from the latching portion 80 and breaking electrical communication between the set of movable contacts 48A and the set of fixed contacts 48B.

[0056] Figure 20 and 21 A GFCI receptacle 10 is shown according to some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the GFCI receptacle 10 includes a printed circuit board 90. In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 90 includes one or more slots or holes 92. As shown, the slots 92 can be configured to receive or be positioned over a line conductor 94 and / or a neutral conductor 96, or a portion thereof (e.g., bus bars 44, 46). The printed circuit board 90 can further include or be coupled to a coil (e.g., transformer core 50, 51) that can be used to sense and / or monitor current. In such embodiments, the coil can also include slots or holes configured to receive or be positioned over a line conductor and / or a neutral conductor, or a portion thereof (e.g., bus bars 44, 46).

[0057] In certain other embodiments, additional elements such as springs, contacts, etc. may be included in different locations within the GFCI receptacle 10 to accomplish resetting or tripping the device. All combinations of embodiments and design variations are not exhaustively described in detail herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such combinations and variations do not depart from the teachings of this application.

Claims

1. An electrical socket, comprising: a circuit board defining a first plane, the circuit board including at least one contact pad; a set of fixed contacts and a set of movable contacts; a solenoid having a central axis perpendicular to the first plane, a first end, and a second end opposite the first end; a carriage movable axially along the solenoid and configured to interact with the set of movable contacts, the carriage adapted to urge the set of movable contacts into electrical communication with the set of fixed contacts during resetting of the electrical outlet receptacle; a lift frame slidably coupled to the slot in the carriage and movable in a translation direction perpendicular to the central axis of the solenoid, the lift frame having a latching portion; a slide mechanism coupled to the lift and movable in the translational direction of the lift, the slide mechanism having a cam surface to convert a downward force into a translational force applied to the lift; a reset plunger having a portion extending through the first end of the solenoid and axially movable therein, the reset plunger having an intermediate collar configured to engage the blocking portion of the lift frame; as well as An armature is axially movable along the portion of the reset plunger extending through the solenoid, the armature including an inclined protrusion configured to contact the cam surface of the sliding mechanism and provide the downward force on the cam surface.

2. The electrical outlet receptacle of claim 1, wherein the solenoid comprises a bobbin having an inner coil and an outer coil. 3 . The electrical outlet receptacle of claim 1 , wherein the sliding mechanism includes a tab portion configured to apply the translational force to the lift frame.

4. The electrical outlet socket of claim 3, further comprising: a contact spring coupled to the elevator and movable therewith, the contact spring configured to send a signal when in electrical communication with the at least one contact pad of the circuit board; and A return spring is coupled to the lifting frame, the return spring having a maximum compression characteristic that limits movement of the lifting frame in the translation direction.

5. The electrical outlet receptacle of claim 4 , wherein depressing the reset plunger causes the intermediate collar of the reset plunger to exert a pushing force on the latching portion of the lift frame at least until the contact spring establishes electrical communication with the at least one contact pad of the circuit board in an unlocked pushed state.

6. The electrical outlet socket of claim 5, wherein When in the unlock push state, the solenoid is momentarily energized, causing the inclined protrusion to move axially along the reset plunger and contact the cam surface to provide the downward force, which translates the lifting frame via the tab portion of the sliding mechanism, and When the solenoid is momentarily de-energized, the inclined projection retracts axially along the reset plunger and the return spring pulls the lifting frame back to its initial position, thereby engaging the intermediate collar with the locking portion in a locked state.

7. The electrical outlet socket of claim 6, wherein in the locked state, When the solenoid is momentarily energized, the inclined projection moves axially along the reset plunger and contacts the cam surface to provide the downward force, which translates the lift frame via the tab portion of the slide mechanism, thereby disengaging the intermediate collar from the latch portion in an unlocked state, and When the solenoid is momentarily de-energized, the inclined projection retracts axially along the reset plunger and the return spring pulls the lifting frame back to its initial position.

8. The electrical outlet receptacle of claim 6, wherein when the electrical outlet receptacle is in the latched state, subsequently releasing the reset plunger pulls the lifter and the slide to establish electrical communication between the set of movable contacts and the set of fixed contacts.

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