Electrical Plug Ejector Tabs for Safe Receptacle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical plugs are difficult to pull from a receptacle, and grabbing the end of the plug poses a risk of electrical shock due to exposed prongs.
Innovation Solution
An electrical plug ejector system with tabs that bow outward when pressed, allowing partial or full ejection of the plug from the receptacle, featuring a monolithic design with prong apertures and attachment extensions for secure attachment to the receptacle cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrical plug is held directly by hand for removal, then the removal action can be performed, but there is a risk of electrical shock from touching the exposed prongs
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector tool serves as an intermediary device between the user's hand and the electrical plug. The tool engages with the plug body through the insulation and uses mechanical leverage to eject the plug from the receptacle, eliminating direct contact with the conductive prongs and thus preventing electrical shock while enabling safe removal
2Ease of operation
If the electrical plug is pulled directly from the receptacle, then removal can be achieved, but the plug is difficult to pull out
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector tool incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism that dynamically generates ejection force. When the user presses the trigger, the spring releases stored energy to push the plug out of the receptacle with sufficient force to overcome the friction and mechanical interference, making removal easy without requiring the user to directly apply large pulling forces
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector mechanism uses periodic action through the spring-loaded system. The spring is compressed during normal operation and then releases in a periodic motion when triggered, providing the necessary force impulse to eject the plug from the receptacle in a single quick action
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a complex ejection mechanism is used to safely eject the plug, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector tool uses a flexible, insulating material for its construction. The flexible body can deform to engage with the plug and transmit ejection forces while maintaining electrical insulation. This flexible shell design provides both safety through insulation and simplicity by eliminating the need for complex rigid mechanical structures with multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The ejector tool merges multiple functions into a single integrated device: the flexible insulating body provides both structural support and electrical protection, while the trigger mechanism combines the activation and force application functions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining safety and effectiveness
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
Facilitates easy and safe removal of electrical plugs from receptacles by minimizing contact with prongs, reducing the risk of electrical shock and enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The ejector extension is configured between the first and second tabs, and is configured to bow outward from the receptacle when the tabs are pushed inward toward the receptacle, or wall or toward the ejector extension
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug ejector system has an electrical plug ejector configured to extend between the receptacle and an electrical plug and has tabs that when pressed, cause an ejector extension to bow outward from the receptacle to eject the plug from the receptacle. The ejector extension is configured between the tabs and transition zones that act as fulcrums to compress the ejector extension. Also, the ejector extension has prong apertures configured to align with the prong receivers of the receptacle. A plug ejector may be configured as part of a receptacle cover or may be configured to detachably attach to a receptacle cover.