Modular Replaceable Socket Device With Magnetic Adapters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket devices are inflexible and inconvenient, requiring specific types and orientations for different voltage levels, leading to compatibility issues with international plugs and adapters, which can cause safety hazards and occupy additional space.
Innovation Solution
A modular replaceable socket device with non-directional adapters and a magnetic connection system, allowing for adjustable adapters that can be securely attached to various bases, enabling compatibility with multiple plug types and voltage levels while ensuring safety through a separable cable interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed-type sockets are installed for specific voltage levels and plug types, then the socket structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different plug types and voltage levels is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The socket device is divided into a base unit and multiple removable adapter modules. Each adapter is designed for specific plug types and voltage levels, allowing the socket to be segmented into functional components that can be independently selected and attached to the base according to different electrical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The base socket unit is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of adapters. This universal base structure enables a single socket device to perform multiple functions by simply changing the attached adapter, making it adaptable to different plug types and voltage levels without requiring multiple separate socket installations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are attached to plugs for international compatibility, then compatibility with different plug types is improved, but the device occupies more space and may cause safety hazards due to low-quality adapters
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching adapters directly to plugs, the invention uses a base socket unit as an intermediary that receives various adapter modules. This intermediary base unit provides a stable, high-quality connection point for power cables, eliminating the need for low-quality plug adapters while maintaining compatibility with international plugs through the adapter modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter functionality is extracted from the plug and integrated into the socket system. By taking out the adapter component from the plug end and placing it at the socket end, the invention eliminates the need for space-consuming plug adapters while maintaining the same adaptability function through the modular adapter modules attached to the base socket.
3Reliability
If plugs are inserted in specific directions to match socket orientation, then proper electrical connection is achieved, but the power cable may be curved and insulation layer may rupture causing electricity leakage or short circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter modules are designed with rotational freedom to dynamically adjust their orientation. This dynamic capability allows the adapter to rotate and align with the power cable's natural direction, eliminating forced cable bending and insulation damage while maintaining reliable electrical connections through proper contact alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter modules feature asymmetric contact arrangements that can be rotated to match different cable orientations. This asymmetric design with rotational capability allows the electrical contacts to align properly with the power supply regardless of the cable's insertion direction, ensuring reliable connection without causing cable damage or safety hazards.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple socket types are installed for different voltage levels and plug types, then compatibility is improved, but the installation space and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing multiple separate socket units for different voltage levels and plug types, the invention segments the socket functionality into a single base unit with multiple removable adapter modules. This segmentation allows all adapter types to be stored in one location and attached to one base socket, dramatically reducing installation space while maintaining full compatibility with different voltage levels and plug types.
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 modular design provides flexibility and safety by allowing adapters to be easily adjusted and securely attached, accommodating different plug types and voltage levels, reducing the risk of electrical hazards and space occupation.
Implementation Method 1
There is a magnetic connection between the adapters and the adapting interface to allow the adapters to be installed more stably.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular replaceable socket device includes one or more adapters, and an adapting interface. The adapter includes a jack and multiple contacts. The jacks are disposed on a top of the adapter for transmitting power or a network signal to an external device. The contacts are disposed on a bottom of the adapter. The adapter couples to external power via the contacts. The base includes a cable interface and one or more sockets. The cable interface connects to external power via a power cable and the one or more sockets is utilized to fix the one or more adapters. The adapting interface is utilized to connect the socket and the one or more adapters. The structure of the adapting interface corresponds to the contacts, for allowing the one or more adapters to couple to the one or more sockets via the adapting interface.