Foldable Electrical Connector with Rotating Pin for Compact Power Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply apparatuses for portable electronic devices face issues such as bulky storage due to suspended power cables, limited international compatibility due to varying AC voltages, and susceptibility to power interruptions when the power cable is detached, leading to an inferior design and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electrical connector with multi-angular and all-oriented rotation capabilities, allowing the conductive pin to be stored or protruded as needed, and securely connected to the main body to prevent detachment, along with an additional power connecting part for compatibility with different AC outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a strap is used to secure a bundled power cable for storage, then the power cable can be stored, but the overall volume and weight of the power supply apparatus are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pin is nested within the receiving portion of the housing when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. The conductive pin can be rotated to enter a stored position where it fits inside the housing cavity, eliminating the need for external straps or cables for storage.
2Ease of manufacture
If the conductive pin is made non-foldable for structural simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the device volume and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive pin is designed with rotational capability, transitioning from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable one. The pin can rotate between an extended operational position and a retracted stored position within the housing, optimizing both manufacturing simplicity and compact volume.
3Volume of moving object
If the conductive pin is made foldable with multi-angular rotation, then portability and storage efficiency are improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is segmented into distinct functional components: the housing with receiving portion, the rotatable conductive pin, and the connecting member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive pin serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrical conductor, a rotatable mechanical component for storage, and a structural element connecting to the main body. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
4Reliability
If a fixed power connecting part is used for AC outlets, then power connection is reliable, but international compatibility is limited due to varying AC voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply apparatus incorporates multiple power connecting parts with different plug configurations to accommodate various international AC outlet standards. This multi-functionality enables the device to adapt to different countries' electrical systems while maintaining reliable power connection.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply apparatus includes a main body, a first power connecting part and a foldable electrical connector. The main body includes a power converting circuit therein and has a first socket at a first side thereof. The first power connecting part has an end connected to the main body. The foldable electrical connector includes a housing and at least a conductive pin. The housing includes a connecting member and a receiving portion. The connecting member is electrically connected to the first socket of the main body. The conductive pin is disposed in the receiving portion and multi-angularly rotatable with respect to the housing so as to be selectively stored in the receiving portion or protruded from the housing.