Interlocking Power Adapter Assembly for Safe Sealed Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connector assemblies and adapters face issues with carbon deposition, high temperature rise, and electrical shock due to environmental exposure to water and dust, and lack effective safety structures to prevent accidental detachment during power transmission.
Innovation Solution
An adapter assembly design featuring a first and second adapter with latching elements that securely fasten upon external force, enabling signal transmission only when properly connected, thus preventing power transmission until secure, which also provides waterproof and dustproof protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the charging adapter is equipped with a cap or lid for covering the electrical contacts, then protection against water and dust is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective function and the operational function into a single integrated structure. The housing itself forms a waterproof and dustproof enclosure while incorporating the latching mechanism that allows easy one-handed operation. The electrical contacts are protected within the housing, and the latching system provides both security and ease of connection/disconnection without requiring separate caps or lids.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to be automatically engaged when the adapters are connected, providing secure fastening without requiring manual intervention. The mechanism includes a latching element that automatically locks when the adapters mate, and can be easily released with a simple pressing motion, making the system self-servicing and easy to operate.
2Reliability
If a latching mechanism is added to prevent accidental detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is integrated into the housing structure itself rather than being a separate component. The latching element is formed as part of the housing, combining the structural support function with the locking function. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable prevention of accidental detachment.
3Productivity
If electrical terminals are directly connected for instant power transmission, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to carbon deposition and high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to engage before the electrical terminals make full contact. The sequence of engagement ensures that the mechanical connection is established first, securing the adapters together, and only then do the electrical terminals connect for power transmission. This preliminary mechanical bonding prevents arcing and reduces carbon deposition by avoiding sudden electrical connection.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power adapter assembly (1) includes a first adapter (2) and a second adapter (3). The first adapter (1) comprises a first housing (20), pluralities of first electrical terminals (22) and first signal terminals (23). The second adapter (3) comprises a second housing (30), pluralities of second electrical terminals (31) and second signal terminals (32). When the first adapter (2) and the second adapter (3) match with each other, a first latching element (24) is axially coupled with the second latching element (33) to a first position, wherein the two electrical terminals (22), (31) are coupled with each other. When an external force is provided, the first housing (20) is radial with respect to the second housing (30), and rotates with each other until the two latching elements (24), (33) move to a second position to be securely fastened. The two signal terminals (23), (32)are coupled with each other to send an enabling signal to the control module (5), so as to enable the power transmission between the two electrical terminals (22), (31).