Locking Socket Adapter With Bulging Prong Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical wall receptacles become worn, causing the internal contact plates to lose tension and interrupt the flow of electricity due to 'relaxation,' where the metal plates no longer effectively hold the prongs of an external plug.
Innovation Solution
A Locking Socket Adapter (LSA) with expandable prongs and prong springs that bulge outward to reestablish contact with worn metal plates, combined with a mechanism to prevent lateral movement and a visual indicator for electrical continuity, along with an automatic reset thermostat to manage temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the internal contact plates in an electrical receptacle are used over time, then the receptacle provides continuous electrical service, but the metal plates undergo relaxation and lose tension, causing prongs to slip and electrical contact to be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor introduces intermediate components (springs, cam mechanism, and locking bars) between the plug prongs and the worn contact plates. These intermediary elements compensate for the relaxation of the original contact plates by providing additional mechanical force and a locking mechanism that prevents prong slippage, thereby restoring reliable electrical contact without replacing the entire receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing spring force and cam-actuated locking bars. The springs provide continuous pressure to maintain electrical contact, while the cam mechanism transforms rotational motion into linear motion to engage the locking bars, which physically prevent prong withdrawal. This parameter transformation converts a worn, passive contact system into an active, self-adjusting connection.
2Force
If the adaptor uses a cam mechanism to lock prongs in place, then holding power is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor employs dynamic elements including springs that continuously adjust to maintain contact pressure, and a cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear locking action. The springs provide dynamic compensation for wear and tolerance variations, while the cam mechanism offers dynamic engagement and disengagement of the locking bars. This dynamic approach achieves strong holding power through motion-based mechanisms rather than static rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: springs for pressure application, cam members for motion transformation, and locking bars for physical restraint. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while enabling independent replacement or adjustment of individual elements, thereby managing complexity through functional decomposition.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the adaptor includes safety features like automatic reset thermostat and visual indicators, then safety and monitoring are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor incorporates self-monitoring and self-protecting features through the visual indicator system and automatic reset thermostat. The visual indicators automatically display electrical continuity status without user intervention, and the thermostat automatically interrupts power when overheating is detected and resets when conditions normalize. These self-service features provide safety and monitoring functions that operate autonomously, reducing the need for user awareness or manual intervention while managing complexity through automated systems.
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 LSA provides enhanced holding power and reestablishes reliable electrical contact, preventing interruptions and ensuring safety by automatically resetting in case of overheating, while the visual indicator confirms electrical continuity.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of prong springs received over the pair of prongs, each prong spring having a pair of flexible side walls that are structured to bulge outward away from the prong
Implementation Method 2
the terminal tip having opposing lateral corners that are crimped to fit within the cut-out portion of a prong on which the prong spring is mounted to prevent lateral movement of the prong spring relative to the prong
Implementation Method 3
an automatic reset thermostat coupled to the pair of prongs in the interior of the body that is configured to electrically uncouple the pair of prongs from the pair of receptacles when the automatic reset thermostat senses a temperature condition
Implementation Method 4
a visual indicator electrically coupled to the pair of prongs and configured to provide a visual indication of electrical continuity between the prongs
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptor device for electrical sockets is provided that includes a body having an interior; a pair of prongs extending from the body in spaced parallel relationship; a pair of receptacles extending into the interior of the body, each receptacle structured to be in electrical contact with a respective prong of the pair of prongs; and a pair of prong springs received over the pair of prongs, each prong spring having a pair of flexible side walls that are structured to bulge outward away from the prong.