Interchangeable Plug Power Supply With Sealed Locking Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug-in power supply designs with interchangeable plugs often lack waterproof functionality and have inadequate secure electrical contact designs, leading to potential power failures due to loose contacts from external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A power supply design featuring a power adapter unit with an engaging base, electric contact pins, and a locking mechanism, combined with a plug unit that includes metal contacts and plug pins, providing additional interlock interactions for secure electrical connections and waterproof sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal input voltage power supply is used, then the power supply can provide electrical power to various electric appliances, but plug adapters have to be additionally used in most cases due to differences in plug systems and shapes worldwide
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit employs interchangeable plug units that can be dynamically swapped to match different regional power outlet types. The plug unit is designed as a separate, replaceable component that can be quickly exchanged without replacing the entire power supply unit, enabling adaptation to different plug systems while maintaining a simple base design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If plug adapters are used to bridge the distance between power supply and socket, then different plug types can be accommodated, but the torque acting on the power socket increases in an inadmissible manner
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a base power supply unit and separate plug units designed to fit directly into regional power sockets. This eliminates the need for extended plug adapters that create leverage and excessive torque. Each plug unit is specifically shaped for its target socket type, ensuring proper fit and minimal torque transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single socket plug adapter with multiple socket features is used, then it can accommodate several plug types, but the safety is reduced since accidental contact with powered pins becomes more probable when gaps are left
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one multi-functional adapter with multiple socket types, the system provides dedicated plug units, each optimized for a specific regional socket type. Each plug unit has a single, purpose-built socket configuration that fully engages with the corresponding power outlet, eliminating gaps and reducing accidental contact risks. The local quality of each plug unit is optimized for its specific use case.
4Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable plug units are designed for the power supply, then adaptability to different regions is improved, but waterproof function and secure electrical contact design are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The plug unit integrates multiple functions into a single component: electrical contact, mechanical locking, and waterproof sealing. The plug unit combines the electrical contacts, locking mechanism, and sealing elements into one unified assembly that maintains reliable electrical connection while providing waterproof protection and secure engagement with the power supply unit.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A power supply (100) includes a power adapter unit (103) and a plug unit (101). The power adapter unit includes a housing with an engaging base formed over bottom surface of the housing, a power conversion module installed in the housing, two electric contact pins in the engaging base electrically connected with the power conversion module, a locking member adjacent to the engaging base. The plug unit is slidably engaged with the engaging base including two plug pins and each of the plug pins electrically connected to a metal contact located at an inner side of the plug unit, a locking matching member to interact with the locking member for allowing the plug unit to lock or unlock from the engaging base. The plug unit is interchangeable with the power adapter unit. The metal contacts of the plug unit (101) and the electric contact pins of the power adapter unit (103) provide additional interlock interaction when the plug unit is slidably engaged with the power adapter unit.