Combination Outlet Assembly for Multi-Plug PDU Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional industrial power distribution units (PDUs) require multiple outlets to accommodate different types of plug connectors, leading to increased manufacturing costs, complexity, and potential obsolescence due to changing power needs, while combination outlets are often impractical, complicated, and expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A combination outlet assembly with a single-piece, compact housing featuring dual interchangeable outlets, designed to accommodate different plug connectors, allowing for flexible and economical manufacturing, and easy scaling of PDUs with modular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets are provided to accommodate different types of plug connectors, then compatibility with various plug types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a combination outlet that integrates multiple outlet types (e.g., NEMA 5-15R and IEC C14) into a single physical outlet structure. This allows the same outlet to accept different plug connector types, thereby providing universality and reducing the total number of outlets needed in the PDU while maintaining compatibility with various plug types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets are provided to accommodate different types of plug connectors, then compatibility with various plug types is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple outlet functions into a single combination outlet assembly. By combining what would traditionally be separate outlets into one integrated unit with shared housing and mounting structure, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and installed, thereby lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining multi-plugin compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If combination outlets are provided to accommodate different types of plug connectors, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combination outlet is designed as a modular assembly that can be segmented into distinct functional components (e.g., different outlet receptacles within a common housing). This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual outlet types that can be pre-assembled and then integrated into the combination outlet, reducing overall manufacturing complexity through modular construction.
Data Source
AI summary
A combination outlet assembly includes a single piece integrally formed housing having first and second outlet cores respectively having a similar outer shape and profile but differently shaped sets of three terminal apertures, and three terminals associated with each respective set of three terminal apertures in the first outlet core and the second outlet core. The first outlet core and the second outlet core may be interchangeably used with power cord plug connectors of different types. Power cord latching features are also described. Power distribution units may include a number of combination outlet assemblies ganged together.