Multi-Orientation Plug for Power Adapter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters are often awkward to use due to fixed orientations, which can make them difficult to fit into various electrical outlets, limiting their versatility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter assembly that includes a removable plug capable of being coupled in multiple orientations, allowing the electrical prongs to extend from different sides, enabling the adapter to fit into outlets with varying space constraints by adjusting the plug's position relative to the adapter housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is fixed in a single orientation, then the structure is simple, but the adapter cannot fit into outlets with varying space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is designed with multiple electrical contacts arranged in a pattern that allows it to establish electrical connections in multiple orientations. The same plug body can be inserted in different rotational positions (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees) to adapt to various outlet configurations, making a single component serve multiple functional purposes without requiring separate plugs for each orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts on the plug body are arranged in an asymmetric pattern that breaks rotational symmetry. This asymmetric arrangement, combined with corresponding asymmetric contact pads on the adapter, ensures that the plug can only be inserted in specific valid orientations while preventing incorrect insertion. The asymmetric design allows the same plug to work with outlets at different orientations by rotating the plug to the appropriate angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrical contacts are arranged for multiple orientations, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical contact patterns are merged into a single integrated plug body design. Instead of creating separate plugs for different orientations, the invention combines all necessary contact patterns into one plug component, where the same physical contacts can engage with different outlet configurations depending on the plug's rotational orientation. This merging reduces the total number of components and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining multi-orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug design incorporates rotational freedom, allowing the plug body to be dynamically rotated to different orientations during insertion. The electrical contacts are positioned and dimensioned to accommodate this rotational movement while maintaining reliable electrical connection. The dynamic aspect allows the same static contact pattern to function in multiple orientations through rotational adjustment rather than requiring multiple fixed contact patterns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plug body is designed to receive contacts from multiple directions, then the versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter housing is segmented with distinct cutout regions that are strategically positioned to expose different sets of electrical contacts based on the plug's orientation. The housing structure is divided into functional zones: some cutouts reveal first electrical contacts while others reveal second electrical contacts, allowing the same housing to support multiple connection configurations through selective exposure of different contact sets depending on how the plug is inserted.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical adapter assembly includes a housing defining a cutout, the housing including first electrical contacts and second electrical contacts disposed within the cutout. The electrical adapter assembly includes (i) a plug including a body having a first portion extending from an edge of a second portion, the first portion extending generally orthogonal to the second portion, (ii) electrical prongs extending from the first portion, and (iii) electrical contacts coupled to the electrical prongs. The body of the plug is receivable in the cutout in at least two orientations, and in each of the at least two orientations, one or more of the electrical contacts of the plug engage at least one of the first electrical contacts or at least one of the second electrical contacts.