Movable Receptacle Face for Locked Plug Prong Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacles lack effective mechanisms to securely retain electrical plugs in a locked position, allowing for easy removal and posing safety risks, especially in environments where tampering or accidental disconnection is a concern.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a movable device face with projections that interact with electrical plug prongs, providing increased retention force through frictional engagement and axial movement, requiring a specific force to remove the plug, and includes a release button for secure locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable device face with projections is used to retain electrical plug prongs, then the retention force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device face is made movable relative to the body, allowing it to shift position when force is applied. This dynamic movement enables the projections to engage with and disengage from the plug prongs, providing secure retention while allowing controlled release. The movable face transforms a static connection into a dynamic one that can adapt to retention and release requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a stationary body containing electrical connections, and a movable device face with retention projections. This segmentation allows the retention mechanism to operate independently through the movement of the face, simplifying the overall design while improving retention reliability.
2Reliability
If a release button mechanism is added for locking and unlocking, then the security against accidental disconnection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The release button mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user's finger directly, without requiring tools or complex operations. The button's movement directly translates to the device face movement, which in turn controls the engagement of projections with plug prongs. This self-service design allows the user to easily lock and unlock the connection with a simple button press.
3Reliability
If the device face is made movable with respect to the body, then the retention mechanism effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention projections are integrated directly into the movable device face, combining the retention function with the movement mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate retention components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective retention through the face's movement.
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 solution ensures that electrical plugs are securely retained in a locked position, requiring a significant force for removal, enhancing safety and preventing accidental disconnection while allowing easy release when needed.
Implementation Method 1
the electrical plug contacts retain an electrical plug prong at a first tension when the device face is in a first position and the electrical plug contacts retain the electrical plug prong at a second tension when the device face is in a second position
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle including a body having a plurality of electrical connections, a device face connected to the body and movable with respect to the body, a plurality of electrical plug contacts positioned behind the device face, and wherein the electrical plug contacts retain an electrical plug prong at a first tension when the device face is in a first position and the electrical plug contacts retain the electrical plug prong at a second tension when the device face is in a second position.