Multi-Axis Power Adapter Rotating Prongs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters for portable information handling systems often require inconvenient power lines and can interfere with objects or block other sockets when trying to connect to a wall socket or power strip, limiting flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis power adapter with prongs that rotate along multiple axes to adapt to different orientations, allowing for secure connection to power sockets without obstructing other sockets and providing compact storage when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional power adapter with fixed plug is used, then the structure is simple, but the adapter blocks other sockets when connected to a power strip and interferes with objects near wall sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the plug rotatable along multiple axes instead of fixed. The plug can rotate along a first axis to orient toward different wall sockets and along a second axis to adjust the angle of the power adapter body, enabling dynamic adaptation to various socket positions and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by introducing multi-axis rotation capability. The plug can rotate along a first axis (horizontal/vertical orientation) and a second axis (angular adjustment), adding rotational degrees of freedom that enable the adapter to reach sockets at different positions and angles without blocking other sockets.
2Ease of operation
If the plug extends from the power adapter to reach wall sockets, then power connection is enabled, but the adapter body blocks other sockets on power strips
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plug allows the adapter body to be positioned at different angles and orientations, enabling it to connect to sockets without blocking adjacent sockets on power strips. The dynamic adjustment capability lets users optimize the adapter's spatial footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
By enabling rotation along two axes, the patent allows the adapter to reach sockets in three-dimensional space without requiring the adapter body to occupy a fixed large area. The multi-axis rotation provides spatial flexibility to connect to sockets while minimizing the adapter's blocking area.
3Ease of operation
If a duck head adapter is used to eliminate power cables, then portability is improved, but the extended plug interferes with objects near wall sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plug allows users to dynamically adjust the plug's orientation to avoid interfering with objects near wall sockets. The plug can rotate to point in different directions, enabling cable-free operation while minimizing interference with surrounding objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-axis rotation capability provides additional spatial dimensions for positioning the plug, allowing it to reach sockets while avoiding interference with objects in the vicinity. The plug can orient itself in three-dimensional space to navigate around obstacles.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system power adapter removably couples with a multi-axis plug that rotates between storage, wall socket and power strip positions. The storage position rotates prongs that insert into a power socket so the prongs are retracted into the power adapter, rotates prongs to plug into a wall socket so that the power adapter aligns parallel to the wall having the wall socket, and rotates the prongs to plug into a power strip socket so that the power adapter aligns perpendicular to the power strip having the socket. The multi-axis plug inserts into a power cable receptacle of the power adapter so that an end user may selectively remove the multi-axis plug and insert a power cable that terminates at a plug to connect the power adapter with a power socket through the power cable.