Movable Gripper Latch for Electrical Plug Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical plug latching mechanisms in power distribution units (PDUs) are cumbersome and ineffective in preventing micro-gaps, failing to securely hold electrical plugs in place, and occupy valuable space, leading to the need for larger PDUs to achieve the same functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electrical plug latching system featuring a base with a movable gripper portion that interfaces with a protrusion on the plug to securely hold it in place, allowing for compact design and efficient power distribution without occupying excessive space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are used to secure electrical plugs, then some level of security is achieved, but the mechanisms are cumbersome and fail to prevent micro-gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from complex conventional mechanisms, implementing a simplified latch system with a movable gripper portion that interfaces directly with a protrusion on the plug. This extraction eliminates unnecessary components while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is designed to automatically engage and secure the plug through the movable gripper portion that interfaces with the protrusion, eliminating the need for additional locking actions or complex operational steps by the user.
2Reliability
If conventional locking mechanisms are installed in receptacles, then plug security is improved, but valuable receptacle space is occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable gripper portion that transitions between positions to achieve locking, rather than using fixed blocking structures. This dynamic approach allows the latch to occupy minimal space while providing effective security.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts only the essential space-required elements for locking functionality, eliminating bulkier conventional mechanism components that would consume valuable receptacle space in PDUs.
3Reliability
If larger PDUs are used to accommodate locking mechanisms, then plug security is maintained, but space efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable gripper portion enables effective locking within a compact footprint, allowing PDUs to maintain security functionality without increasing overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
By extracting and implementing only the essential locking components, the patent enables compact PDU designs that achieve the same security level without requiring larger housing volumes.
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical plug latching systems and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, an electrical plug latching system includes a base having an interface for attachment to an electrical plug receptacle. The base defines an opening for receipt of an electrical plug for electrical connection to the electrical plug receptacle. The electrical plug defines a protrusion. Further, the system includes a latch that is attached to the base and that includes a gripper portion. The gripper portion is moveable between a first position and a second position with respect to the base. In the first position, the gripper portion is positioned to interface with the protrusion of the electrical plug to hold the electrical plug in place when electrically connected to the electrical plug receptacle. In the second position. the gripper portion is positioned apart from the protrusion of the electrical plug.