Multi-position Duckhead Adapter Plug with Spherical Moveable Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional duckhead adapter plugs experience mechanical wear and awkward movement due to poor contact robustness and excessive wear between metal-to-metal contacts, and often have design flaws that allow small objects to fall into openings.
Innovation Solution
A multi-position duckhead adapter plug with a rotatably received, at least partially spherical moveable plug assembly featuring conductive prongs and detents for secure locking and electrical contact, mounted in an insulating plastic body, providing improved mechanical support and smooth movement, reducing wear and preventing object entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional metal-to-metal contacts are used between stationary and movable plug portions, then electrical connection is established, but excessive wear occurs and contact robustness is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (spring-loaded contact fingers and resilient contact elements) between the stationary and movable plug portions. This intermediary system provides continuous pressure and maintains robust electrical contact while accommodating movement, thereby resolving the contradiction between contact reliability and durability through the mediator that absorbs wear and maintains pressure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed single position assembly is used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different receptacle configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable plug portion that can rotate between multiple positions (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°) to adapt to different receptacle configurations. This dynamic capability allows a single plug assembly to serve multiple purposes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by using controlled movement rather than multiple fixed designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is designed with universal adaptability through its multi-position capability, allowing it to connect to various receptacle types and orientations. The single assembly performs multiple functions by changing its orientation, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If conventional two or three position plug assembly with single axis movement is used, then basic functionality is achieved, but movement is rough and awkward
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a spherical pivot point for the movable plug portion, allowing smooth rotation along an arc path. This curved movement mechanism replaces linear or hinge-based single-axis movement, providing smoother and more natural operation while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of a spherical joint.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-position duckhead adapter plugs and associated moveable plug assemblies are disclosed that may be provided, for example, to couple an electrically powered device such as an information handling system to an AC mains power receptacle. A multi-position duckhead adapter plug may utilize electrically-conductive prongs configured and dimensioned for insertion into corresponding electrically-conducive sockets of a plug receptacle. The electrically-conductive prongs of an adapter plug may be mounted in a moveable plug assembly that is at least partially spherical and that is rotatably received in a stationary adapter housing. The moveable plug assembly may include one or more electrical contact detents and/or locking detents for effecting electrical interconnection and/or adjustable locking positioning within the stationary adapter housing.