Movable Casing Electric Power Device for Moisture Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Extension cords and electrical outlets used outdoors are prone to causing electrical shocks due to moisture, as existing covers do not effectively control the flow of electricity, leading to potential injuries when connected to power sources.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a movable casing in electric power devices that transitions between positions to decouple and couple the receptacle with the source connector, ensuring the receptacle is de-energized during plug insertion and only energized when the casing is in a sealed position, preventing electrical shocks and protecting against moisture exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the receptacle is always electrically connected to the source connector, then power is always available, but electrical shock hazard increases when moisture enters the device
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is opened in advance before electrical connection is made, allowing the plug to be inserted into the receptacle while the receptacle remains electrically isolated from the source connector. Only after the plug is securely in place does the casing close to establish electrical connection, preventing shock hazard during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The device separates the electrical connection function from the physical access function through the movable casing mechanism. The casing can be in an open state allowing physical access to insert the plug, while the electrical connection is segmented to only occur when the casing is in the closed position, thus isolating the hazardous electrical components during safe operations.
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is accessible for plug insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but moisture exposure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is designed as a dynamic, movable component that transitions between open and closed positions. When open, it provides easy access for plug insertion; when closed, it seals the receptacle and plug connection area against moisture. The casing movement is coupled with the electrical connection mechanism to ensure proper sequencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable casing acts as an intermediary between the user's need to access the receptacle and the need to protect it from moisture. It provides a controlled interface that allows temporary access for plug insertion while maintaining overall protection, and couples this physical access control with electrical connection control.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the casing remains closed to protect from moisture, then protection is improved, but access to receptacle for plug insertion is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The casing transitions dynamically between closed (protective) and open (accessible) states. The system is designed so that opening the casing is a simple, intuitive action that users can perform when needed to insert a plug, and the casing naturally returns to or can be held in the closed protective position when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
In a particular implementation, an electric power device includes a body, a receptacle configured to receive a plug, and a source connector configured to be coupled to a power source. The electric power device further includes a casing coupled to the body and movable with respect to the body between a first position in which the casing defines an enclosed chamber and access to the receptacle is inhibited and a second position in which the casing is configurable to enable access to the receptacle for receipt of the plug. A transition from the first position to the second position is configured to cause the receptacle to be electrically decoupled from the source connector when the casing is at the second position, and a transition from the second position to the first position is configured to cause the receptacle to be electrically coupled to the source connector when the casing is at the first position.