Plug Fixing Structure with Resilient Arm for Power Socket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power plugs in electronic devices can accidentally disengage from sockets due to user error or external forces, leading to sudden power loss or short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A plug fixing structure with a resilient arm and sleeve casing that engages with the power socket's engaging structures, constraining the plug's movement along multiple axes to prevent accidental disengagement, and includes a pressing mechanism for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a universal power plug is used that allows user insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm with front hook is pre-configured to engage with the engaging structure on the power socket before any disengagement can occur. This preliminary engagement creates a mechanical constraint that actively prevents accidental pull-out, directly counteracting the harmful effect of external forces or wrong user operations that would otherwise cause disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm provides a dynamic solution where the front hook can elastically deform under external force and then return to its engaged position. This dynamic characteristic allows the plug to maintain reliable connection during normal use while accommodating minor disturbances, and still enables intentional removal when needed.
2Reliability
If a resilient arm with front hook is added to prevent disengagement, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm is designed to automatically engage with the engaging structure on the power socket without requiring any additional actions from the user. The elastic deformation and recovery of the resilient arm provide self-locking functionality, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms, sensors, or additional fastening components.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm utilizes elastic deformation of a flexible component to achieve the locking function. This approach replaces rigid mechanical locking mechanisms with a simpler elastic element that can bend and return, significantly reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable engagement.
3Reliability
If the plug is constrained along the insertion axis, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult removal
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm provides a dynamic locking mechanism where the front hook engages firmly during normal use but can be easily disengaged by applying sufficient force to overcome the elastic resistance. This dynamic characteristic ensures reliable connection during operation while allowing intentional removal when needed.
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
Effectively prevents accidental disengagement of power plugs, enhancing the safety of electronic devices by ensuring stable power transmission and easy plug insertion and removal.
Implementation Method 1
The first resilient arm has a first arm portion and a first front hook. The first arm portion protrudes outward from an outer surface of the sleeve casing. The first front hook extends from the first arm portion toward the first engaging structure. The first front hook is engaged with the first engaging structure when the plug portion is inserted into the power socket along a first axis, for constraining movement of the power plug along the first axis relative to the power socket.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug fixing structure is applied to fixing a power plug inserted into a power socket of an electronic device. The power plug has a plug portion and a main body portion. A first engaging structure is formed on an outer periphery of the power socket. The plug fixing structure includes a sleeve casing jacketing the main body portion to expose the plug portion and a first resilient arm having a first arm portion and a first front hook. The first arm portion protrudes from an outer surface of the sleeve casing. The first front hook extends from the first arm portion toward the first engaging structure. The first front hook is engaged with the first engaging structure when the plug portion is inserted into the power socket along a first axis, so as to constrain movement of the power plug along the first axis relative to the power socket.