Compact GFCI Socket Safety Door and Reset Linkage Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing GFCI sockets are bulky, costly, and require significant mounting space due to complex reset button mechanisms and large structural dimensions, limiting their compactness and applicability.
Innovation Solution
A GFCI socket design featuring a housing composed of detachable upper, middle, and lower components with a compact safety door assembly, linkage frame, and integrated reset key operation, utilizing elastic members and sliding grooves to reduce thickness and size, and simplify the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surface portions are used for safety door cooperation, then safety function is improved, but overall thickness and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional side-mounted safety door mechanism to a top-mounted safety door structure. The safety door is now arranged on the top surface of the housing, cooperating with the plug's safety door structure, rather than on the side surface. This dimensional change reduces the overall thickness of the socket while maintaining the safety function, as the safety door can now operate in the vertical dimension rather than requiring horizontal space.
2Ease of operation
If complex linkage operation mechanism is used for reset button, then reset function is improved, but mounting space and overall size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reset button mechanism with the existing linkage frame and contact bridge structures. The reset button is integrated into the housing and directly interacts with the linkage frame, eliminating the need for separate complex linkage mechanisms. The contact bridges are movably arranged on the linkage frame, creating a unified operation structure that reduces mounting space while maintaining reset functionality.
3Reliability
If traditional safety door assembly structure is used, then safety protection is improved, but device complexity and mounting space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the housing into three detachable segments: upper housing, middle frame, and lower housing. The safety door assembly is specifically arranged in the upper housing, separating the safety function from the main body structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing and assembly, as each component can be produced and tested independently before final assembly, reducing overall device complexity.
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 achieves a more compact, thinner, and cost-effective GFCI socket with reduced mounting space requirements, enhancing applicability and internal structural efficiency while maintaining safety features.
Implementation Method 1
The safety door assembly is provided with an elastic member for promoting the safety door assembly to shield the jacks
Data Source
AI summary
A ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) socket. The socket includes a housing, where a first circuit board is arranged in the housing, a plurality of sets of jacks, conductive sheets, a safety door assembly, and a test key and a reset key are movably arranged on the housing in a penetrating manner. The housing includes an upper housing, a middle frame and a lower housing that are detachably connected, the safety door assembly is arranged between the upper housing and the middle frame, and the safety door assembly is provided with an elastic member for promoting the safety door assembly to shield the jacks. The middle frame forms a base of safety doors, an operation structure is arranged between the two sets of jacks, and the operation structure includes a linkage frame and contact bridges movably arranged on left and right sides of the linkage frame.