Electrical Outlet With Magnetic Coupling Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical outlets do not adequately prevent electrocution, as they allow electrical current to flow when any object, including a child's, is inserted into the outlet openings, posing a risk of serious injury or death.
Innovation Solution
An electrical outlet design that requires coupled engagement between a plug and outlet components, using a communication member to actuate the flow of AC power only when a complementary component is properly contacted, incorporating features like reed switches, magnetic coupling, and remote activation to ensure safe electrical energy provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical outlets allow current flow when any object is inserted, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened due to electrocution risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication members (magnetic couplings, reed switches, or RFID components) as intermediaries between the plug and outlet. These members act as mediators that must be properly engaged to complete the circuit, preventing direct contact with live electrical contacts unless the correct plug is inserted. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation for legitimate plugs while blocking harmful current flow to unauthorized objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent requires preliminary engagement of communication members before electrical current can flow. The magnetic coupling or RFID communication must be established first, which serves as a preliminary safety check. Only after this preliminary action is completed does the outlet enable current flow, ensuring that the correct plug is properly inserted before energizing the circuit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If communication members are added to verify plug engagement, then safety is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical verification systems with simpler magnetic or electromagnetic fields. Instead of using complex mechanical interlocks or multiple moving parts to verify plug insertion, the invention uses magnetic coupling members and reed switches or RFID communication, which have no moving parts and require minimal maintenance. This reduces device complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication members serve multiple functions: they verify plug insertion, prevent electrocution, and enable controlled current flow. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate safety mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive safety protection.
3Reliability
If magnetic coupling members are used to actuate power flow, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic field interaction that operates in three-dimensional space rather than requiring precise one-dimensional alignment. The magnetic coupling members can be positioned at slightly different locations and still generate sufficient magnetic flux to actuate the reed switch or enable RFID communication. This dimensional flexibility reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs magnetic field strength as a controllable parameter that can be adjusted to accommodate variations in manufacturing tolerances. By designing the magnetic coupling members with appropriate field strengths and the reed switches with appropriate activation thresholds, the system can reliably detect plug insertion even when there are minor variations in component positioning or manufacturing dimensions.
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 effectively prevents electrocution by ensuring that electrical current only flows when a compatible plug is correctly engaged, thereby reducing the risk of accidental electrical exposure and enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
using a communication member to actuate the flow of AC power only when a complementary component is properly contacted, incorporating features like reed switches, magnetic coupling
Implementation Method 2
the proximity of the communication members actuates the device to provide electrical current therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an electrical outlet of the present invention generally include one or more sockets which include, in addition to positive, negative, and optionally, grounding electrical connections, at least one coupling/communication component, wherein AC electrical current flows through the outlet only when a plug comprising a complementary coupling/communication component is engaged with the socket, whereby the proximity of the coupling/communication component and the complementary coupling/communication component actuates the outlet to provide electrical current therethrough. In one embodiment, in lieu of a complementary coupling/communication component, a wireless transmission device is used to send a signal to the coupling/communication component to actuate the outlet. In other embodiments, an electrical outlet of the present invention includes a mechanism for maintaining engagement between the outlet and a receptacle/plug that provides for safe disengagement when they are inadvertently separated. Embodiments of a method of using embodiments of apparatuses of the present invention are also provided.