Modular Multi-Position Conversion Device for Compact Socket Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-position conversion sockets have separate pins and connecting sheets, leading to increased volume, weight, and assembly complexity, with poor alignment and aesthetic issues when used with wall-type power sockets.

Innovation Solution

A modular multi-position conversion device with a main frame integrating first and second pins and connecting sheets, reducing the need for separate supports and simplifying assembly, while aligning slots for improved fit and aesthetic compatibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If separate pin supports and connecting sheet supports are used for independent installation, then the pins and connecting sheets can be independently assembled, but the housing volume increases and weight increases causing sagging due to gravity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent assembly of pins and connecting sheetsVSAvoidweight of multi-position conversion socket

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pin support and connecting sheet support into a single integrated support structure. The support includes both pin installation holes and connecting sheet installation slots in one unified component, eliminating the need for separate pin supports and connecting sheet supports. This merging reduces the overall number of parts, decreases housing volume, and reduces weight while maintaining the ability to independently assemble pins and connecting sheets through the integrated support structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If separate pin supports and connecting sheet supports are used with conducting pieces for electrical connection, then electrical connection can be established, but the number of assembling steps increases and assembling difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection between pins and connecting sheetsVSAvoidnumber of assembling steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical connection function into the integrated support structure itself. The support structure provides both mechanical support and electrical connection pathways through its design, eliminating the need for separate conducting pieces. This reduces the number of components and assembling steps while maintaining reliable electrical connection between pins and connecting sheets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated support structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for pins and connecting sheets, establishes electrical connection between them, and serves as a unified mounting structure. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity and assembly steps while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pins and connecting sheets are installed onto separate supports first, then installed into the housing, then the electrical connection can be established, but the assembling steps and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection and mechanical supportVSAvoidassembling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the support structures into one integrated component that provides both mechanical support and electrical connection functionality. This allows pins and connecting sheets to be installed more efficiently through a simplified process while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connections, thereby improving assembling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If the arrangement of pins is not properly aligned with pin apertures on the top side, then misalignment occurs, but the number of multi-position conversion sockets that can be installed cannot be increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment of pins with pin aperturesVSAvoidnumber of multi-position conversion sockets

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs precise positioning features and alignment mechanisms in the integrated support structure that ensure proper alignment of pins with pin apertures. The support structure is designed with specific geometric features that guide and constrain pin positions, ensuring manufacturing precision while allowing for multiple conversion socket configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11705682B2Multi-position conversion device and a conversion socket with the multi-position conversion device

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 DONGGUAN WONTRAVEL ELECTRIC CO LTD

AI summary

A multi-position conversion device and a conversion socket with the multi-position conversion device; the first pin, the second pin, the first connecting sheet and the second connecting sheet are installed together onto the main frame to modularize and integrate the conversion device; therefore, only one main frame is needed to complete the installation of the first pin, the second pin, the first connecting sheet and the second connecting sheet, and this can effectively decrease the volume of the multi-position conversion device and thus decrease the volume and weight of the whole conversion socket, prevent the conversion socket from sagging due to gravity and thus increase the corresponding user experience and safety; meanwhile, after being modularized, the multi-position conversion device is installed directly into the housing and thus can decrease the assembling steps, reduce the assembling difficulty and finally improve the assembling efficiency.