Locking Combination Outlet Assembly for Multi-Plug PDUs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution units (PDUs) face challenges in accommodating multiple types of plug connectors due to increased manufacturing costs, complexity, and inefficiencies in customization, while existing combination outlets are impractical, costly, and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A combination outlet assembly with a single-piece housing featuring dual outlets that can interchangeably accommodate different plug connectors, utilizing a mirrored design with distinct outlet cores and projections/slots for ganging, and economical manufacturing to reduce costs and improve reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional PDUs use multiple separate outlets for different plug connectors, then compatibility with various plug types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple outlet functions into a single integrated outlet assembly that can accommodate different plug connector types (NEMA 5-15, NEMA 6-15, NEMA 14-50, NEMA 6-50) through a unified design. The single assembly includes integrated components such as a common housing, shared actuator mechanism, and multiple contact sets that work together to provide multi-format compatibility without requiring separate outlet units for each plug type.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet assembly is designed as a universal interface that can accept multiple types of plug connectors through a single outlet configuration. The design incorporates adjustable elements and multiple contact arrangements that adapt to different plug types, allowing one outlet assembly to perform the function of multiple specialized outlets, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional combination outlets are used to accommodate multiple plug types, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly is segmented into modular components including a housing, actuator mechanism, contact sets, and mounting elements that can be manufactured separately and assembled through standardized processes. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compatibility, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing monolithic combination outlets.
Solution Approach 2:
The design utilizes parameter changes in the contact configuration and actuator position to accommodate different plug types without changing the fundamental outlet structure. By adjusting contact spacing, actuator travel distance, and spring tension parameters, the same physical assembly can reliably connect to multiple plug formats, reducing the need for costly custom-manufactured outlet variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate outlets are provided for different plug connectors, then plug compatibility is improved, but space requirements and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet assembly employs a nested arrangement where multiple contact sets and functional elements are positioned within a compact hierarchical structure. The contacts are arranged in nested patterns that allow different plug types to engage with the same physical space, and the actuator mechanism is nested within the housing structure, maximizing space utilization and minimizing the overall footprint of the outlet assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of separate outlets to a three-dimensional integrated structure where contacts are positioned at multiple depth levels and angular orientations within a single assembly. This dimensional optimization allows multiple plug types to be accommodated in a compact volume by utilizing spatial relationships in three dimensions rather than requiring separate planar outlet positions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A power cord locking assembly (400) includes a button (522a) projecting from an upper surface of an electrical outlet housing (102) having an outlet core (114) therein. The button (522a) is selectively positionable relative to the housing (102) in a direction obliquely oriented to a plug insertion axis (A) between a locked position, in which the button (522a) engages and secures a plug connector housing (222) mated to the outlet core (114), and an unlocked position, in which the button (522a) disengages from the plug connector housing (222) for removal of the mated plug connector housing (222) from the outlet core (114).