Power Adapter Interchangeable Connector Sliding Plate Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters with interchangeable connectors face issues of insecure coupling between the connector and housing, leading to potential electrical safety hazards due to inadequate engagement mechanisms, which fail under normal wear and tear or external forces.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter design featuring a sliding plate member and a second connecting member that securely restrain the connector within the adapter body, ensuring firm positioning and modular compatibility with various connector configurations, enhancing electrical safety and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hook and mating notch engagement mechanism is used to couple the connector to the housing, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of the coupling deteriorates under normal wear and tear and external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: a hook element for initial engagement, a retaining element with resilient arms for securing, and a pressing element for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arms of the retaining element are pre-positioned to engage with the connector before final insertion is complete. This preliminary action ensures that the connector is secured early in the insertion process, preventing accidental disengagement during use and improving coupling reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If the connector is made fully removable and interchangeable, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the reliability of power transfer deteriorates due to potential insecure coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing element is designed to be dynamically activated during insertion and then automatically locks into place. The resilient arms provide continuous dynamic pressure to maintain engagement. This dynamic mechanism ensures secure coupling during interchangeable use while maintaining reliable power transfer through consistent mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element acts as an intermediary between the connector and housing, providing a secure mechanical link that maintains reliable power transfer. The resilient arms serve as a mediator that absorbs misalignment and wear, ensuring consistent electrical contact during interchangeable connector use
3Reliability
If a secure engagement mechanism with multiple restraining elements is implemented, then the reliability of coupling is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hook element, retaining element, and pressing element are merged into a single integrated component that can be manufactured as one piece. This merging reduces the number of separate parts to assemble, simplifying manufacturing processes while maintaining the multi-element security mechanism for reliable coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated engagement mechanism is designed to work with multiple connector types through universal geometric features. The hook, retaining arms, and pressing element collectively provide secure engagement for various connector configurations, improving manufacturing efficiency through standardized design while maintaining coupling security
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a power adapter which comprises an adapter body and a modular connector. The adapter body has a cavity forming a first opening and a second opening respectively disposed on two adjacent lateral walls of the adapter body, a first connecting member disposed on one of the lateral walls and adjacent to the first opening, and a sliding plate member having a sliding plate embedded in a slide and protrusible in said second opening. The connector is interchangeably coupled to the cavity and blocked by the sliding plate to form an electrical connection with the adapter body, and comprises a second connecting member engaged with the first connecting member.