Extension Cable Through Socket Design for Wall Outlet Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Extension cords with earthing contact often block wall sockets, and cascading adapters and cords can lead to safety hazards due to excessive current consumption.
Innovation Solution
An extension cord design featuring a through socket integrated into the plug housing, with overload protection and a compact fuse or thermal reset mechanism, preventing cascading and ensuring safe current management, while allowing devices to be plugged into the wall socket and providing multiple connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If an extension cable is plugged into a wall socket, then power can be extended to another location, but the wall socket is blocked and no other device can be plugged in
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a second socket directly into the housing of the plug, creating a nested configuration where one socket is embedded within the structure of the plug itself. This allows a device to be plugged into the second socket while the plug occupies the first wall socket, effectively nesting functionality within the plug structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a connector to the wall socket and as a housing for an additional socket. This multi-functionality allows the single plug to provide both power extension and additional outlet capability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters and extension cords are cascaded to provide multiple outlets, then more devices can be connected, but safety hazards arise due to excessive current consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates overload protection devices and fuses into the plug housing before any potential harmful situation occurs. These safety mechanisms are pre-installed and positioned to detect and respond to excessive current conditions, preventing overheating and electrical hazards before they can develop.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse and overload protection act as a cushioning mechanism against excessive current. When abnormal current conditions arise, these pre-positioned safety devices interrupt the circuit, cushioning the system against potential damage from overloading or short circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a socket is integrated into the plug housing, then the wall socket is not blocked, but the plug housing becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of the plug housing with the function of a socket housing by integrating the second socket directly into the plug structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate adapter devices and reduces overall system complexity despite the enhanced functionality.
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 design prevents socket blocking, ensures safe current handling, and reduces the risk of overheating or overloading, while allowing multiple device connections without compromising safety.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal fuse (28) is integrated into the housing (9) of the through-socket (4) as overload protection
Implementation Method 2
These typically have a bimetallic strip which, in resettable thermal fuses, triggers a switching process
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an extension cable (1) with an additional socket (6) in the housing of the plug (5).