Power Adapter Automatic Connector Rotation via Plug Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters require manual rotation of the multi-sheet connector, which can be difficult to operate and prone to damage due to insufficient force, making mode switching inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An automatically adjustable power adapter with a rotary mechanism that includes a shaft, actuating component, and second connector, where the second connector is pushed by an external plug to rotate the first connector out of the casing, and a resilient component to retract it when the plug is removed, allowing for automatic ejection and retraction of the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual rotation mechanism is used for multi-sheet connector, then device structure is simple, but operation convenience deteriorates and reliability worsens due to insufficient force and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the insertion force of the external plug itself to drive the rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual operation. The plug's insertion action directly activates the rack and pinion mechanism to rotate the multi-sheet connector, making the system self-operating and improving both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical rotation system with an automated mechanical transmission system using rack and pinion gears. The linear insertion motion of the plug is converted into rotational motion of the connector through the gear mechanism, providing more reliable and consistent rotation compared to manual operation.
2Productivity
If manual rotation of multi-sheet connector is required, then device complexity is low, but productivity deteriorates due to inconvenient mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mode switching function with the plug insertion action. The same mechanical structure serves dual purposes: the rack structure guides plug insertion while simultaneously driving the pinion gear to rotate the connector for mode switching. This merging of functions improves productivity without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If resilient component is added for automatic retraction, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient component (spring) provides automatic retraction functionality without requiring separate user action. When the external plug is removed, the spring automatically returns the multi-sheet connector to its initial retracted position, making the system self-serving and improving ease of operation with minimal additional complexity.
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 power adapter simplifies operation, reduces manufacturing costs, and provides a convenient automatic adjustment mechanism that overcomes the operational drawbacks of conventional adapters by allowing the connector to automatically extend and retract based on plug assembly and disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient component disposed on the rotary mechanism. The resilient component drives the rotary mechanism to rotate the first connector into the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter includes a casing, a first connector, a rotary mechanism and a second connector. The first connector is rotatably disposed on a bottom of the casing. A first opening and a second opening are formed on the casing. The rotary mechanism is disposed between the casing and the first connector. The second connector is movably disposed inside the casing and connected to the rotary mechanism. The second connector is electrically connected to the first connector. An external plug inserts into the seconding opening to connect the second connector. The second connector is pushed by the external plug to drive the rotary mechanism to rotate the first connector, and a part of the first connector protrudes from an inner of the casing via the first opening.