Modular Electrical Receptacle With Sliding Tamper Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical receptacles in various applications often face issues with foreign objects or incomplete plugs being inserted, leading to safety concerns and the need for a cost-effective tamper-resistant solution that prevents partial or improper plug insertion.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical receptacle assembly featuring slidingly coupled tamper-resistant members that are electrically isolated and restricted from sliding unless both prongs are pressed, utilizing a beveled design and coil spring mechanism to ensure proper alignment and prevent unbalanced forces from opening the receptacle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard electrical receptacle is used, then power distribution is achieved, but the receptacle is vulnerable to foreign objects and incomplete plugs being inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into two separate prong receiving members (first and second) that are electrically isolated from each other. Each prong receiving member has its own tamper resistant member (first and second) that can slide independently. This segmentation allows the receptacle to prevent foreign object insertion while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each segment handles a specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing member (spring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the tamper resistant members and the prong receiving members. This spring applies a biasing force to automatically return the tamper resistant members to their initial blocking position after plug insertion, providing a simple mechanical solution to the safety problem without complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a tamper resistant mechanism is added to prevent foreign object insertion, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tamper resistant members are designed with asymmetric geometry, including beveled surfaces that interact with the plug prongs at specific angles. This asymmetric design allows the mechanism to be triggered only by properly oriented plug prongs while blocking foreign objects, achieving tamper resistance through simple geometric constraints rather than complex mechanical interlocks.
Solution Approach 2:
The tamper resistant members are designed to slide dynamically between a blocked position (preventing foreign object insertion) and an open position (allowing proper plug insertion). This dynamic behavior, controlled by the biasing spring and geometric constraints, provides effective tamper resistance while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
3Ease of operation
If the tamper resistant member is designed to slide freely, then ease of operation is improved, but the receptacle becomes vulnerable to unbalanced forces and improper insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing spring acts as a counterforce mechanism that opposes unbalanced forces applied to the tamper resistant members. When a plug is properly inserted, the force is distributed evenly on both tamper resistant members, allowing them to slide open against the spring bias. When an unbalanced force is applied (foreign object or improper insertion), the spring maintains the blocked position, preventing activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle assembly including first and second prong receiving members, a housing and a tamper resistant member. The housing has the prong receiving members positioned therein and electrically isolated from each other. The tamper resistant member is slidingly coupled to the housing. The tamper resistant member is restricted from sliding if only a first portion of the tamper resistant member is pressed upon proximate to one of the prong receiving members.