Locking Plug Receptacle to Prevent Accidental Withdrawal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing unintentional removal of electrical plugs are either impractical, bulky, or limited to specific types of plugs and outlets, and often compromise the reliability of the electrical connection, increasing the risk of electrical shock and fire.
Innovation Solution
A universal device and method that securely locks electrical plugs to power outlets without requiring tools or modifications, using a locking receptacle with clamping jaws and special pins to generate a high friction force, ensuring compatibility with various plug and outlet types, including rounded prongs, and allowing rapid installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintentional removal of electrical plugs, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is nested within the plug structure itself, with the spring-loaded arm and locking element integrated into the plug body. This allows the locking function to be incorporated without adding separate external components, thereby improving safety while minimizing increases in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism operates automatically through spring-loaded arms that engage with the outlet slots upon insertion. The system self-activates without requiring user intervention, and can be released by applying sufficient pull force, thus providing safety functionality while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure electrical plugs, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states dynamically. The spring-loaded arms automatically engage to lock the plug in place during normal operation, but can be easily released by applying sufficient pull force. This dynamic behavior ensures reliability during use while maintaining ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking force parameter is designed to be sufficient for preventing accidental removal during normal operation, but can be overcome by applying adequate pull force. The spring mechanism allows the locking parameter to change state from engaged to disengaged based on the applied force, thus maintaining both reliability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a universal locking device is designed to work with various plug and outlet types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed with spring-loaded arms that can adapt to different outlet slot configurations. The arms can engage with various slot types and orientations, allowing a single device design to work with multiple plug and outlet types across different regions, thereby achieving universality without requiring multiple specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the locking arms are designed to accommodate variations in outlet slot dimensions and orientations. The spring mechanism allows the arms to adjust their position and angle to match different outlet types, enabling adaptability across various plug and outlet configurations without increasing fundamental device complexity.
4Reliability
If existing locking mechanisms are used, then plug removal is prevented, but electrical connection reliability deteriorates due to exposed prongs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking arms are positioned to engage with the outlet slots before the prongs make full electrical contact. This preliminary locking action ensures that the plug is securely held in place before electrical connection is established, preventing partial insertion scenarios where prongs could be exposed and creating electrical shock hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides preliminary anti-action against plug removal by engaging the outlet slots before full insertion is complete. This prevents the harmful scenario where prongs are partially exposed during insertion or removal, thereby eliminating electrical shock risks while maintaining connection reliability.
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 solution effectively prevents accidental removal or partial withdrawal of plugs, blocks outlet insertion, and ensures continuous power supply, making it suitable for childproofing, computer safety, and medical equipment applications, while maintaining reliable electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded arm, which is actuated by a spring element, is engaged with a slot in the outlet
Implementation Method 2
A universal device and method that securely locks electrical plugs to power outlets without requiring tools or modifications, using a locking receptacle with clamping jaws and special pins to generate a high friction force
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises a method and a device for connecting and locking electrical plugs into power outlets. This prevents plugs from being shaken or accidentally withdrawn, and hence avoids any disturbance of electric current or occurrence of electric spark which may cause fires. In the case where no plug is plugged in, the current invention blocks the socket openings to prevent children from tampering with it or trying to insert any metal objects therein that might expose them to electric shocks. By this invention, an adult can connect and lock electrical plugs easily while it is impossible doing it by children. There are various embodiments of this invention making it suitable for use in many fields that need a continuous electrical feed without interruption such as medical devices, computers, factory equipment, and home appliances among many other examples.