Inclined Plug Case for Power Strip Adaptor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plug-integrated adaptors interfere with adjacent outlets when used in power strips, limiting their usability.

Innovation Solution

The plug-integrated adaptor features a connecting member with a plug fastening portion, a board connecting portion, and extending portions that allow the plug case to be inclined at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees, preventing interference with adjacent plugs by optimizing the shape and layout of the adaptor components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the plug-integrated adaptor uses a conventional plug structure, then the adaptor can be manufactured simply, but it interferes with adjacent outlets when used in power strips

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability of power stripVSAvoidstructure of adaptor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the plug case rotatable relative to the body through a rotation mechanism. This allows the plug to be dynamically adjusted to different angular positions (0 to 45 degrees as specified in the claims), enabling users to optimize the orientation to avoid interference with adjacent outlets while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the plug case is fixed in position, then the adaptor structure is simple, but it cannot avoid interfering with adjacent plugs in limited space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different outlet configurationsVSAvoidstructure of adaptor
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation mechanism enables the plug case to be dynamically repositioned, providing adaptability to different outlet configurations and spatial constraints. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the adaptor to fit various power strip arrangements without requiring complex modular or interchangeable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces rotational freedom in the angular dimension, transforming a fixed two-dimensional layout into a three-dimensional adjustable configuration. This allows the plug to be oriented at different angles (0 to 45 degrees), effectively using the angular dimension to resolve spatial interference issues with adjacent outlets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3367518B1Plug-integrated adaptor
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3367518B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3367518B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3367518B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a plug-integrated adaptor that improves usability of a power strip by reducing interference with adjacent plugs when the adaptor is used in the power strip. A plug-integrated adaptor includes a case body having an open side and a printed circuit board therein, a case base provided to cover the open side of the case body and including a first side extending in a first direction and a second side having a length shorter than a length of the first side, a plug having a pair of pins arranged in a second direction and a plug case protruding from the case base and extending in the second direction, and a connecting member coupled to the pin of the plug and connecting the plug to the printed circuit board. The plug case extending in the second direction is inclined at an angle with a range of 0 to 45 degrees with respect to the case base extending in the first direction.