AC Plug Orientation Device with Tactile and Visual Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AC plug connectors often pose difficulties in determining the proper orientation for mating with a receptacle connector, especially in obscured or dark locations, leading to user confusion and incorrect insertion.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an orientation device with a cover featuring protrusions, recesses, or braille-like patterns on the AC plug or insert, which provides tactile and potentially visual cues to ensure correct orientation, along with an optional lighted region powered by an energy storage device for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polarization features are added to the AC plug, then orientation guidance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding orientation features only to specific locations on the plug connector - specifically on the cover and/or insert components. The cover includes orientation features on its outer surface, and the insert may have orientation features on its outer surface. This localized approach provides orientation guidance where needed without complicating the entire plug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector is segmented into distinct components (cover, insert, body) with orientation features distributed across these segments. The cover can have orientation features independent of the insert, allowing each component to contribute to orientation guidance without requiring the entire assembly to be redesigned as a complex unified structure.
2Ease of operation
If tactile orientation features are added to the plug, then ease of operation for vision-impaired users is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the physical characteristics (shape, size, position) of orientation features on the cover and insert. These features include protrusions, recesses, ridges, and grooves with different geometries that can be manufactured using standard molding techniques. The features are designed with specific dimensional parameters that provide tactile distinction without requiring complex multi-step manufacturing processes.
3Area of stationary object
If the receptacle connector is positioned behind furniture or in recessed locations, then space utilization is improved, but detectability of the connector decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating light-emitting or light-reflecting elements into the receptacle connector or its surrounding structure. The receptacle may include illumination features that emit light to highlight its position, or reflective elements that enhance visibility. This allows the receptacle to be detected more easily when positioned in recessed locations or behind furniture, while maintaining space-efficient installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for an AC plug comprises a top wall including one or more orientation features that protrude from a top surface of the top wall and first and second sidewalls that extend from the top wall in a perpendicular orientation relative to the top wall. First and second retainer walls extend from the first and second sidewalls, respectively, in a perpendicular orientation relative to the first and second sidewalls. The orientation features can be employed by a user to properly orient the AC plug when mating it with a corresponding receptacle connector. An orientation insert for an AC plug includes orientation features in addition to a light that can be activated by depressing a top surface of the insert. The light can be used to assist a user in locating a receptacle connector and positioning the AC plug to properly mate with the corresponding receptacle connector.