Asymmetric Power Plug Bar and Trough Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power connectors lack a foolproof mechanism, leading to frequent misconnections that can cause hardware and software damage due to user or worker errors.

Innovation Solution

The power connector design includes an insulative body with specific bar and trough configurations, where the plug and receptacle terminals are arranged in a way that allows correct connection only in one direction, preventing misinsertion by utilizing parallel channels and troughs with chamfers to ensure proper alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional symmetric connection interface is used, then the connector is easy to manufacture and operate, but misconnection occurs frequently due to lack of foolproof mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection accuracyVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the plug with a first bar containing one channel and a second bar containing multiple channels, while the receptacle has corresponding asymmetric trough arrangements. This asymmetric structure creates a foolproof mechanism where misconnection is physically prevented, as the bars can only be inserted into matching troughs in the correct orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple terminals are arranged in parallel channels, then the connector can handle multiple signals, but the risk of misconnection increases without proper alignment features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal configurationVSAvoidconnection orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the connector into distinct bars and troughs, where each bar contains one or more channels for specific terminals. The first bar with one channel connects to the first trough, while the second bar with multiple channels connects to the second trough. This segmentation ensures that each segment must be inserted into its corresponding trough in the correct orientation, preventing misconnection while supporting multiple terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bars act as intermediaries between the plug terminals and receptacle troughs. The specific configuration of channels in the bars and corresponding troughs creates a mediating structure that enforces correct alignment. The bars physically guide the terminals into the correct positions within the receptacle, ensuring proper orientation for all parallel terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8998651B2Plug having a body with a plurality of bars in a first direction and a second direction each with a channel to accommodate a terminal

Publication Date: 2015.04.07 BELLWETHER ELECTRONIC CORP

AI summary

An electric power plug includes an insulative body having a first bar and a second bar at a space. The first bar is longitudinally formed with only one first channel for receiving a first plug terminal. The second bar is longitudinally formed with a plurality of second channels for receiving a plurality of second plug terminals. An electric power receptacle includes an insulative seat having a first trough for connecting the first bar and a second trough for connecting the second bar. The first and second troughs are arranged at a space. The first trough is provided with only one first receptacle terminal. The second trough is provided with a plurality of second receptacle terminals which are parallel with each other and arranged at a space.