Foldable Plug Device with Articulating Shafts and Movable Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug devices with three pins have a large volume, making them inconvenient to store and carry, and are prone to damage due to their complex structure, which hinders their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A foldable plug device with a simple structure featuring a pin module, articulating shafts, and casings that allow for easy folding and unfolding, utilizing a movable pin and elastic elements to reduce volume and enhance durability, along with a direct current power output circuit and USB power output for added functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional three-pin plug device is used, then the plug structure is stable and functional, but the volume is large and inconvenient to store and carry
Solution Approach 1:
The plug device is divided into two separate casings (first casing and second casing) that can be folded relative to each other about the first articulating shaft. The pins are segmented into fixed pins and a movable pin that can be stored within the folded casings, enabling compact storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug device transitions from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, foldable structure. The casings are connected via articulating shafts that allow rotation between folded and unfolded states. The movable pin can be inserted into or removed from the slot in the first casing, enabling the plug to adapt between compact storage mode and operational mode.
2Reliability
If a traditional three-pin plug device is used, then the plug structure is simple, but the plug is easy to damage due to complex structure in foldable designs
Solution Approach 1:
The plug device is divided into two separate casings (first casing and second casing) that can be folded relative to each other about the first articulating shaft. The pins are segmented into fixed pins and a movable pin that can be stored within the folded casings, enabling compact storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient snap protrusion and press portion form a snap-fit structure that provides automatic locking when the casings are folded, preventing accidental opening and protecting the internal components. The elastic element provides pre-loaded cushioning force to maintain the folded state and protect against mechanical stress during handling.
3Volume of moving object
If a foldable plug device is designed with articulating shafts and movable parts, then the volume is reduced for convenient storage, but the structure becomes complicated and hard to unfold
Solution Approach 1:
The plug device is divided into two separate casings (first casing and second casing) that can be folded relative to each other about the first articulating shaft. The pins are segmented into fixed pins and a movable pin that can be stored within the folded casings, enabling compact storage while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically unfolds the casings after the snap-fit structure is released, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of complex articulating mechanisms. The resilient snap protrusion and press portion provide automatic locking when folded, reducing the user's interaction burden.
4Volume of moving object
If a foldable plug device is designed with articulating shafts and movable parts, then the volume is reduced for convenient storage, but the device is hard to generalize in the market
Solution Approach 1:
The plug device incorporates both fixed pins and a movable pin that can be positioned in different configurations, allowing adaptation to different plug standards and applications. The foldable casing design with standardized articulating shafts and snap-fit structures enables the device to be generalized across different market requirements while maintaining compact storage capability.
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 foldable plug device achieves a smaller volume when stored and a durable, easy-to-use structure when unfolded, facilitating convenient carrying and use while maintaining compatibility with various power standards.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element for unfolding the first casing and the second casing is disposed around the first articulating shaft and between the first casing and the second casing
Implementation Method 2
The snap-fit structure includes a resilient snap protrusion at a corresponding position of the second casing, and a press portion on a bottom surface of the button and configured to be fitted with the resilient snap protrusion
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable plug device includes a pin module having at least one fixed pin. A first articulating shaft is disposed in a bottom of the pin module, and a first casing and a second casing are disposed at two sides of the pin module. A slot is disposed in a middle portion of the first casing. A movable pin corresponding to the fixed pin is disposed at the second casing, and the movable pin is configured such that the movable pin is located in the slot when the two casings are folded, and the movable pin is turned out of the slot when the two casings are unfolded, to form a plug cooperating with the fixed pins.