Pass-through Plug Tamper-Resistant Shutter Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical sockets do not have a mechanism to prevent accidental insertion of conductive objects, which can lead to electric shock, particularly for children and elderly individuals.

Innovation Solution

A pass-through plug design featuring a tamper-resistant assembly that blocks sockets when not in use, comprising a housing with sockets, a frame, and a shutter assembly that rotates or slides to prevent foreign objects from contacting electrical components, and a prong assembly for connecting cables, all connected via a one-time snap feature for ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional electrical socket is used, then power is always provided to contacts, but children or elderly people are prone to electric shock when conductive objects are inserted

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidelectric shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter assembly is pre-positioned to cover and block the sockets before any conductive object can be inserted. The spring mechanism maintains the shutter in a closed protective state until simultaneous pressure from multiple prongs forces it open, preventing accidental single-point insertion by children or elderly people

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a tamper resistant assembly with shutter is added to block sockets, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shutter assembly, spring mechanism, and socket blocking function are merged into a single integrated safety mechanism. The shutter serves both as a protective cover and a blocking mechanism, while the spring provides both the closing force and the release mechanism, reducing the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded shutter assembly is self-actuating and automatically opens when sufficient pressure is applied by simultaneous insertion of multiple prongs, then automatically closes again when removed. No external control, motors, or complex actuation systems are required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a one-time snap feature is used to connect housings, then assembly convenience is improved, but the strength of connection may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly convenienceVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical plug is divided into separate housing components that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled through the snap feature. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing while the snap feature provides sufficient connection strength for the application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11575226B2Pass-through plug

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 TXS INDAL DESIGN

AI summary

The present application provides a pass-through plug, including: a first housing, comprising a plurality of sockets; a second housing, configured to be connected with the first housing; and a tamper resistant assembly, trapped between the first housing and the second housing and configured to selectively block the plurality of sockets when the plurality of sockets are not simultaneously operated. The provided pass-through plug can reduce the potential risk of people accidentally inserting conductive objects into the socket holes.