Asymmetric Power Plug Pillar Design for Correct Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power connectors lack anti-wrong means, allowing male connectors to be plugged in incorrectly, which can lead to damage and software or hardware issues due to improper orientation.
Innovation Solution
A power plug and receptacle design featuring distinct pillars and channels that allow correct alignment only, preventing incorrect plugging by ensuring the second pillar cannot be inserted into the first slot, thus ensuring a secure and oriented connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no anti-wrong means is provided for power connectors, then the connector structure remains simple, but the connectors can be plugged in incorrectly causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing the power plug and receptacle with non-symmetric pillar arrangements. The first power connector has a first pillar and a second pillar with different dimensions, while the second power connector has corresponding slots that only match when aligned correctly. This asymmetric design prevents incorrect plugging directions without adding complex anti-wrong means, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the connector allows plugging in any direction, then the ease of operation is high, but software or hardware damages may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of incorrect plugging into a beneficial guiding feature. The asymmetric pillar and slot design creates a mechanical guide that naturally directs the user to insert the connector in the correct orientation. The physical geometry itself prevents wrong insertion, transforming what could be a harmful mistake into a built-in protective feature, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and prevention of damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A power plug including an insulation main body is provided. A first pillar and a second pillar arranged at the insulation main body. Only a first channel for inserting a first plug terminal is defined on the first pillar and multiple second channels for inserting second plug terminals are defined on the second pillar. A power receptacle including an insulation base is provided. A first slot and a second slot respectively corresponding to the first pillar and the second pillar are defined at the insulation base. Only a first receptacle terminal is inserted in the first slot. Multiple second receptacle terminals arranged at interval and parallel with each other are inserted in the second slot. The first receptacle terminal and the second receptacle terminals are arranged in a row. The power plug and the power receptacle are thereby limited to correctly couple.