Dual-Plug Power Adapter With Elastic-Arm Safety Interlock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters require complex designs to ensure safety by only powering on when both plugs are inserted, while also being simple in design and effective in combining power from multiple plugs.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter design featuring a conductive sheet, first and second electrode groups with elastic arms that deform to contact the sheet, and an outer housing with slots, ensuring electrical connection only when both plugs are inserted, thereby enhancing safety and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex design is adopted to ensure safety by only powering on when both plugs are inserted, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the safety interlock mechanism with the power connection structure itself. The conductive sheet serves dual purposes: as the power transmission path and as the trigger mechanism for the elastic arms. When both plugs are inserted, they simultaneously establish power connection and activate the elastic arms to contact the conductive sheet, merging the safety function into the existing structure without adding separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic arms automatically detect and respond to the insertion of plugs through their own elastic deformation. The system uses the mechanical action of plug insertion itself to trigger the safety mechanism - the plugs directly push the elastic arms which then contact the conductive sheet to complete the circuit. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for external sensors or control circuits.
2Device complexity
If a simple design is adopted, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to ensure safety by requiring both plugs to be inserted is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive sheet acts as an intermediary element between the two plugs and the power output. It receives mechanical input from both plugs through the elastic arms and only transmits power when both inputs are present. This intermediary mechanism enables the safety function using only passive mechanical elements without requiring active control or complex circuitry.
3Reliability
If elastic arms are used to contact the conductive sheet only when both plugs are inserted, then safety is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic arms are designed with specific elastic properties that allow them to deform under the force of plug insertion. By selecting appropriate material and dimensional parameters for the elastic arms, the system converts variable insertion forces into reliable contact with the conductive sheet. This parameter-based design accommodates normal variations in assembly and usage while maintaining the safety function.
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 adapter effectively combines power from multiple plugs and ensures safety by only powering on when both plugs are inserted, improving the overall design simplicity and safety of the power adapter.
Implementation Method 1
The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are configured to deform under force to contact the conductive sheet
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter includes a conductive sheet, a first electrode group, and a second electrode group. The first electrode group includes a first pin and a first elastic arm. The first elastic arm is continuously electrically connected to the first pin. The second electrode group includes a second pin and a second elastic arm. The second elastic arm is continuously electrically connected to the second pin. The first pin and at least a part of the second elastic arm are located on one side of the conductive sheet. The first elastic arm and at least a part of the second pin are located on another side of the conductive sheet. The first elastic arm and the second elastic arm are configured to deform under force to contact the conductive sheet.