Lockable Electrical Socket with Cam Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical outlets lack locking functions, leading to accidental disconnection of plugs, which poses safety hazards and disrupts electricity flow, especially in households with increased energy demands and vulnerable populations.
Innovation Solution
A safe electrical socket design featuring a housing with copper sockets, an oval cam shaft, a lock piece, and an elastic member, allowing users to lock and unlock the socket through a rotating mechanism, ensuring secure connection and easy disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the electrical socket, then the reliability and safety of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the cam shaft can rotate between locked and unlocked positions. The cam lobes dynamically engage with the plug to provide locking force when needed, while allowing easy release when the cam is rotated. This dynamic approach maintains reliability without requiring a permanently complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically engages the cam shaft and maintains locking pressure on the plug without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring's elastic force self-regulates to maintain reliable connection while simplifying the overall device structure by eliminating the need for powered locking mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the electrical socket, then the safety against accidental disconnection is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into distinct components: the cam shaft with cam lobes, the spring member, and the interaction with the plug. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard machining processes, then assembled into the socket housing. The modular approach simplifies manufacturing compared to integrated locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam shaft and spring member are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. The cam lobes are formed as simple geometric features rather than complex mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost. This approach provides reliable safety functionality without requiring expensive materials or complex assembly processes.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the electrical socket, then the connection security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam shaft is designed to rotate freely between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the user to easily switch between connection states. The cam lobes dynamically adjust their engagement with the plug based on the cam's rotational position, providing secure locking when engaged and easy release when rotated. This dynamic mechanism maintains ease of operation while ensuring connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically maintains contact between the cam lobes and the plug, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The spring's elastic force ensures reliable engagement without requiring the user to apply excessive force, and the cam's rotation naturally releases the locking action, making operation simple and intuitive.
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 socket provides a secure locking mechanism that prevents accidental disconnection, maintains electricity flow, and is cost-efficient for widespread implementation in homes and other locations, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic or spring operated member
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to a lockable socket. In one example embodiment, to methods, apparatus, and systems to a safe electrical socket, wherein the socket may lock such that the plug, wires or connectors may not be accidently or forcibly removed without activation or deactivation of the locking structures. The locking mechanism may include a cam like actuator and locking mechanism that provides a secure and strong mechanism.