Removable Lock Ring for Power Plug Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power plugs and connectors often experience accidental disengagement due to insufficient mechanical retention, leading to potential device shutdowns, and existing solutions increase design complexity and cost or restrict compatibility with various devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a removable lock ring with a lock tab that fits into a notch on the power receptacle, providing enhanced mechanical retention without requiring significant design changes or additional components, allowing the power plug to be used universally across different devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slip fit or friction fit is used to retain the power plug in the power receptacle, then the power plug can be easily inserted and removed, but the retention is not sufficiently robust to prevent accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanism is segmented into two independent parts: the power plug connector and the lock ring. The lock ring is a separate component that can be independently attached to the connector, allowing the retention function to be enhanced without modifying the basic connector structure. This segmentation enables the retention reliability to be improved while keeping the ease of operation intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring incorporates a movable lock tab that can dynamically transition between engaged and disengaged states. The lock tab can be moved to engage with the receptacle for secure retention, or disengaged to allow easy removal. This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing both strong retention when needed and easy operation when required.
2Reliability
If supplemental retention devices such as O-rings, cable hooks, or cam devices are added to prevent accidental unplugging, then the retention reliability is improved, but the design complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring merges multiple functions into a single component: it provides retention through the lock tab engaging with the receptacle, prevents accidental unplugging through its locked state, and maintains ease of operation through the removable design. By combining these functions into one simple ring-shaped component, the design complexity is minimized while achieving reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock ring is designed to be self-installing and self-retaining. Once attached to the connector, the lock tab automatically engages with the receptacle to provide retention. The component serves itself by providing both the retention mechanism and the locking action without requiring additional complex mechanisms or multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If supplemental retention devices are added to prevent accidental unplugging, then the retention reliability is improved, but the compatibility with various electronic devices is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The lock ring is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various types of power plug connectors and work with different electronic devices. The ring-shaped structure and lock tab design allow it to accommodate different connector sizes and shapes, maintaining compatibility across multiple devices while providing reliable retention for each.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a power plug may include a connector to engage with a power receptacle of an electronic device, and a removable lock ring disposed around the connector. The lock ring may include a lock tab disposed on the lock ring and extending in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the power plug. The lock tab may insert into a lock notch of the power receptacle.