Multi-Plug Socket with Actuated Earth Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple electrical sockets struggle to accommodate different types of plugs without interference between resilient earth contact elements, leading to unsatisfactory design limitations, space inefficiency, and potential damage or excessive friction during plug insertion and removal.
Innovation Solution
A modular multiple socket design featuring a dual series of holes for axial insertion of pins from different plug types, with actuated resilient elements that move outward upon insertion of a specific type of plug, preventing interference and optimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the socket is designed to accommodate plugs of the first type with resilient earth contact elements, then reliable electrical contact is achieved, but plugs of the second type experience interference and excessive friction during insertion and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient earth contact elements are designed to be movable rather than fixed. When a plug of the second type is inserted, these elements can move outward to accommodate the flat body of the plug, reducing friction and interference. This dynamic adjustment allows the socket to adapt its internal geometry based on the plug type being inserted.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure includes movable walls that can change position to modify the internal geometry. When a plug of the second type is detected, the movable walls shift to create additional space, changing the spatial parameters of the engagement area to prevent interference with the flat plug body while maintaining reliable contact.
2Volume of moving object
If the socket engages plugs of the second type with flat body, then space efficiency is improved, but the resilient earth contact elements may be accidentally damaged or distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The movable walls and resilient elements work together dynamically. When a plug of the second type is inserted, the movable walls shift outward to create clearance, preventing the resilient earth contact elements from being damaged or distorted. This dynamic space creation protects the fragile resilient elements while accommodating the flat plug body.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure proactively prevents damage to resilient elements by providing movable walls that anticipate the insertion of flat-bodied plugs. Before the resilient elements can be damaged, the movable walls have already shifted to create protective clearance, preventing the harmful interaction between the flat plug body and the resilient elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is designed to accommodate two flat plugs of the second type, then plug versatility is improved, but the overall socket size increases occupying more space
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a unified engagement area that can universally accommodate different plug types through movable components. Rather than creating separate dedicated sockets for different plug types, this single socket structure can adapt to receive either plugs of the first type or plugs of the second type, including configurations for two flat plugs, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing size.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable walls and internal components are arranged in a nested, space-efficient configuration. The movable walls can shift to create different internal arrangements, allowing the socket to nestle two flat plugs side by side when needed, while maintaining a compact overall footprint that occupies minimal mounting space.
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 socket effectively accommodates various plug types, reducing interference and friction, optimizing space, and enhancing electrical contact force without damaging the plugs, while maintaining safety and adaptability in electrical installations.
Implementation Method 1
two resilient electrical contact earth elements (19, 20) projecting above the engaging area (11) for electrical contact with corresponding lateral earth terminals of the first type of plug
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple electrical socket (10) comprises an engaging area (11) intended to receive alternately a first type of plug (70) and at least one second type of plug (74). The engaging area (11) comprises in turn a first series of holes (17) and at least one second series holes (18), said first and second series of holes being intended for the axial insertion therein of pins respectively of plugs of the first and second plug types for electrical contact between socket and plug. The edges of the engaging area (11) are also provided with two resilient electrical contact earth elements (19, 20) projecting above the engaging area (11) for making electrical contact with corresponding lateral earth terminals (71, 72) of the first type of plug. Movements means (21) are provided underneath the engaging area (11) and are actuated by the insertion of a plug (74) of the second plug type into the corresponding second series of holes (18) so as to move at least one of said resilient elements (19, 20) towards the outside of the engaging area (11).