Universal Adapter With Cantilevered Locking Arms For Barrel Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumer objects with non-standardized barrel plugs for electrical connections, such as light string cords, often fail to securely couple with power cords due to varying receptacle sizes, leading to compatibility issues and unreliable power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A universal adapter with a body, conductive contact structure, and cantilevered locking arms that securely connects a consumer object's base plug to a power cord receptacle, ensuring reliable electrical interconnection by providing a friction fit and structural interference, accommodating receptacles of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized receptacle design is used for power cords, then compatibility with various consumer objects is improved, but the ability to securely connect with non-standardized barrel plugs of varying sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are designed to be movable and flexible, allowing them to adapt to different receptacle diameters while maintaining secure engagement. The arms can flex outward during insertion and then lock into position, providing dynamic adaptation to varying sizes while ensuring reliable connection for each specific configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates adjustable parameters through its flexible locking arms that can change their position and engagement depth based on the specific receptacle size. This allows the same adapter structure to accommodate multiple receptacle diameters by changing the engagement parameters rather than requiring different fixed-size adapters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible adapter design is used to accommodate varying receptacle sizes, then adaptability is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms transition from a flexible state during insertion to a locked stable state during operation. The arms are designed to flex initially to accommodate size variations, then engage with locking features that provide stable, rigid connection once positioned, achieving both adaptability and stability in different operational phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: the flexible body portion that adapts to size variations and the locking arm segments that provide stable engagement. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the body provides adaptability while the locking segments provide stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adapter design is used to connect various consumer objects, then versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is designed as a universal interface that can connect to multiple types of consumer objects with different receptacle sizes through its flexible locking arms. Rather than creating multiple specialized adapters for different object types, this single multi-functional adapter handles various configurations, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter incorporates flexible locking arms that act as compliant elements, allowing the rigid structural components to remain simple while the flexible arms provide the necessary adaptation. This use of flexible elements enables universal compatibility without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms or multiple rigid parts.
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 adapter ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection between power cords and consumer objects, allowing for consistent power delivery across a range of light string receptacle sizes, enhancing compatibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
conductive contact structure extending between the end sections... electrical contacts of the base plug and the receptacle may be electrically connected with one another through the conductive contact structure of the adapter
Implementation Method 2
one or more cantilevered locking arms... functions to releasably engage with an outer surface of the power cord receptacle to provide a more secure connection
Data Source
AI summary
A universal adapter enables amusement object connectors to be reliably and securely coupled with power cord receptacles of varying sizes. The adapter includes a body providing first and second end sections and conductive contact structure extending between the end sections, as well as one or more cantilevered locking arms. The first end section may be adapted for receiving a base plug of an object providing amusement effects, or may be formed as the base plug itself. The second end section is adapted to be received within the receptacle of a power cord, such that electrical contacts of the base plug and the receptacle may be electrically connected with one another through the conductive contact structure of the adapter. Each locking arm releasably engages with an outer surface of the power cord receptacle to provide a more secure connection between the adapter and the power cord receptacle.