Combination Outlet Assembly With Plug Latching for Multi-Plug PDUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combination outlets for power distribution units (PDUs) are impractical, costly, and unreliable, requiring multiple outlets for different plug connector types, leading to increased manufacturing complexity and inventory management challenges.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece, molded housing with dual outlets designed for interchangeable use with different plug connectors, featuring asymmetrical outlet cores and integral latching mechanisms to securely hold plugs, reducing manufacturing costs and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets are used for different plug connector types, then compatibility with different devices is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is designed with a single housing containing multiple outlet cores that can accommodate different plug connector types (C13, C14, C19, C20). This universal design allows one outlet assembly to serve multiple functions and compatibility with various devices, eliminating the need for separate outlet assemblies for each plug type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple outlet cores are integrated into a single molded housing structure. The housing combines several outlets that would traditionally require separate assemblies, reducing overall device complexity and streamlining manufacturing while maintaining compatibility with different plug types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets are used for different plug connector types, then compatibility with different devices is improved, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The universal outlet assembly design allows a single product SKU to replace multiple specialized outlet assemblies. Each outlet assembly can accept various plug connector types, thereby simplifying inventory management by reducing the number of different outlet assembly variants that need to be stocked and tracked.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional combination outlets are used, then multiple plug types can be accommodated, but reliability and security of connection decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a movable deflectable portion that dynamically responds to plug insertion. When a plug is inserted, the deflectable latch portion automatically engages to secure the connection. This dynamic latching ensures reliable and secure connections across different plug types without requiring manual intervention.
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 solution provides a compact, economical, and reliable combination outlet assembly that can accommodate multiple plug types, minimizing manufacturing complexity and inventory needs while ensuring secure electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element is attached to the molded housing to bias the latch portion toward the outlet core
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet assembly includes a molded housing having side walls, end walls extending between the side walls, a bottom wall interconnecting the side walls and the end walls, and an outlet core extending upwardly from the bottom wall into a space defined between the side and end walls. In one example, a first end wall of the end walls includes a latch portion that is deflectable relative to the space to selectively secure an electrical plug that is engaged with the outlet core. In another example, a biasing element is attached to the molded housing to bias the latch portion toward the outlet core.