Magnetic Cover Actuation for Electrical Socket Protectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical socket protectors with spring mechanisms require additional space and suffer from force variability, leading to mechanical wear and noise, as well as complexity in assembly and disassembly.

Innovation Solution

The use of magnetic forces generated by localized magnets to push the cover to the upper position, eliminating the need for a mechanically coupled spring, thereby reducing mechanical wear, noise, and simplifying assembly by distributing repulsion and attraction forces for uniform movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a spring mechanism is used to push the cover back to the upper position, then the cover can be restored to the covering configuration, but additional space is required within the socket and the force exerted varies along the movement path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover restorationVSAvoidspace within socket

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system. Magnets are positioned in the socket base and cover to generate magnetic attraction/repulsion forces that push the cover to the upper position without requiring physical contact or mechanical coupling. This eliminates the need for spring accommodation space while maintaining the cover restoration function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary force between the socket and cover. Instead of direct mechanical interaction through springs, magnets create an invisible force field that acts across a distance to restore the cover, reducing the need for physical space and mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a spring mechanism is used to push the cover back, then the cover can be restored, but mechanical wear and noise occur due to direct contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover restorationVSAvoidmechanical wear and noise

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical contact between the spring and cover by using magnetic forces. The magnets in the socket base and cover interact through magnetic attraction and repulsion, creating a contactless restoration mechanism that prevents mechanical wear and reduces noise from rubbing and impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful magnetic forces (which could cause attraction or repulsion) into a beneficial contactless actuation mechanism. By strategically positioning magnets, the system uses magnetic field interactions to achieve smooth, wear-free cover restoration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a spring mechanism is used, then the cover can be restored to the upper position, but the force exerted by the spring varies significantly during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover restorationVSAvoidforce uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning multiple magnets at specific locations in the socket base and cover. This strategic placement creates localized magnetic fields that interact to produce a more uniform total force throughout the cover's movement path, compensating for the natural force variation that would occur with a single spring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple magnetic forces from different magnet positions into a combined effect. By coordinating the attraction and repulsion forces from multiple magnets, the system achieves a more consistent total force on the cover throughout its movement, overcoming the force variability inherent in single-spring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution provides a more homogeneous force distribution, reduces mechanical wear and noise, and simplifies the assembly and disassembly process by using magnetic forces to move the cover, eliminating the need for additional space within the socket.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic force exerted by a lower magnet or a magnetic force exerted by an upper magnet generates a force that drives the cover to the covering configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3754789B1Protector and electrical socket provided with the protector

Publication Date: 2022.10.19 SIMON SA

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C

AI summary

Protector (B) for electrical sockets (P2), which comprises a cover (2) and a cover guiding channel (1) such that the cover (2) is mobile between a lower position (Pinf) and an upper position (Psup) in the channel (1), the protector (B) comprising means for generating a force (F) on the cover (2) directed from the lower position (Pinf) towards the upper position (Psup), wherein the means for generating a force (F) comprise a lower magnet (M1) arranged close to the lower position (Pinf) and/or an upper magnet (M3) arranged close to the upper position (Psup) and a one mobile magnet (M2) fixed to the cover (2) arranged to be repelled by the lower magnet (M1) and/or to be attracted by the upper magnet (M3). The invention also relates to an electrical socket provided with the protector.