Extension Cord Receptacle Head With Gated Support Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power extension cords often lack a secure mechanism to prevent the plug and receptacle from exerting unwanted force on electrical devices, leading to instability and exposure to debris when unrestrained.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle head design featuring a body with a cavity accessible through a gap, equipped with a gate that can be opened or closed to secure the cord to a supporting structure, providing stability and protection from environmental hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the plug and receptacle are unrestrained, then the electrical device can be easily connected and disconnected, but the plug and receptacle exert unwanted tug or pulling on the electrical device and may flop around exposed to debris
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is designed to be movable between an open position (allowing easy connection) and a closed position (providing stability). The dynamic structure allows the system to adapt between ease of operation and reliability based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate provides preliminary restraint against unwanted movement before the plug is fully inserted or after it is removed. By closing the gate over the cavity, it prevents the plug and receptacle from flopping around or exerting tug on the electrical device.
2Reliability
If a gate is added to block the gap and restrict access to the cavity, then the plug and receptacle are restrained and protected from debris, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is implemented as a thin, flexible barrier that closes over the gap. This thin-film approach provides effective restraint and protection without adding significant structural complexity or bulk to the receptacle head design.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate serves multiple functions: it restrains the plug and receptacle from unwanted movement, protects the cavity from debris, and can be opened when connection is needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single structural element.
Data Source
AI summary
A power extension cord comprises a body, a cavity extending completely through the body, and a gap disposed along a perimeter of the body that extends through to the cavity, such that the cavity is accessible from the exterior of the receptacle head through the gap. One or more receptacles are disposed along the exterior of the body. Preferably, a gate may be provided, the gate having an open position in which the cavity is accessible through the gap and a closed position in which the gate blocks the gap and restricts access to cavity.