Modular Electrical Plug Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plugs for modular devices face issues with locking mechanisms that are difficult to unlock and prone to mechanical stress, leading to potential breakage and insecure attachment.
Innovation Solution
The electrical plug features a locking mechanism with a movable part and a fixed part, where the attachment is achieved by sliding and locking with a hooking mechanism, using a locking element to secure the plug with minimal mechanical stress and allowing easy unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking means are made to firmly hold the electrical plug on the modular device, then connection security is improved, but the locking means are subjected to high mechanical stresses which can cause them to break
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two separate parts: a movable part that performs the locking action and a fixed part that provides the locking surface. This segmentation allows the movable part to be smaller and less stressed, while the fixed part absorbs the mechanical stresses through its rigid attachment to the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable part acts as an intermediary between the user's unlocking action and the locking means. It transmits the unlocking force through a button mechanism while protecting the actual locking engagement from direct user stress, thereby reducing mechanical stress on the locking elements.
2Reliability
If locking means are made to firmly hold the electrical plug on the modular device, then connection security is improved, but unlocking becomes difficult requiring tools and lengthy manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a movable part that can dynamically transition between locked and unlocked states. The button mechanism allows the movable part to be easily actuated by user pressure, providing simple unlocking without tools, while the locked state maintains firm connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the button mechanism. The user's simple pressing action on the button automatically actuates the movable part to unlock the connection, eliminating the need for external tools or complex manipulation procedures.
3Power
If the electrical plug uses large diameter power cables for network connection, then power transmission capability is improved, but cable flexibility decreases making accidental disconnection more likely
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism performs preliminary action by securing the electrical plug to the modular device before any cable stress can cause disconnection. The locking means are engaged during the insertion process, creating a firm mechanical connection that prevents accidental separation even when flexible cables are subjected to movement or stress.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The plug (100) has a locking unit (150) to lock an insulating body (110) of the plug on a parallelepiped insulating casing (480) of a modular electrical apparatus (400). The unit has a movable part (152) including hooks (153) for being hooked on the casing and mounted slidably on a fixed part between released and hooking positions. The unit has a locking nail (155) mounted movably on the movable part between locked and unlocked positions in which the nail locks the movable part, in the hooking position, on the fixed part and authorizes the sliding of the movable part, respectively.