Compact Electrical Plug Retainer Outlet with Cam-Actuated Friction Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug retainer outlets require a large installation space due to complex locking mechanisms, resulting in a size that exceeds standard connectors, and often fail to securely retain plugs due to low mating forces.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrical plug retainer outlet with a switchable plug retainer assembly that uses a retaining element with contact teeth or rubber pads to establish a frictional or form-fit connection with the plug's isolated surface, allowing for easy assembly and operation without restraining power pins, suitable for both male and female connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to retain plugs, then plug retention reliability is improved, but the outlet size increases beyond standard connector dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking function from a complex mechanical mechanism and implements it through a simple cam-actuated retaining element that moves between engaged and disengaged positions. The cam mechanism provides the necessary retention force through its geometric shape rather than through complex locking components, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that actively locks the plug in place, the patent uses a retaining element that passively holds the plug through cam geometry and releases easily when actuated. The system inverts the approach from active locking to passive retention with easy release, achieving both reliability and compactness.
2Area of stationary object
If a simple retainer structure is used, then the outlet size is reduced, but the mating force between plug and outlet becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism utilizes curved geometric surfaces to generate retaining force. The cam profile is designed with specific curvature that converts the horizontal movement of the actuator into vertical retaining force, providing sufficient mating force through geometric leverage rather than through increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the cam mechanism to optimize the balance between retention force and size. By adjusting the cam profile, lever arm lengths, and actuator dimensions, the system achieves adequate mating force within a compact form factor suitable for standard outlets.
3Ease of operation
If a cam mechanism is used to actuate the retaining element, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the actuation mechanism and the retention mechanism into a single integrated cam-actuated system. The cam serves dual purposes: it provides the mechanical advantage for easy actuation and simultaneously generates the retaining force through its geometric profile. This consolidation reduces overall complexity compared to having separate actuation and retention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a lever for actuation, a spring for maintaining contact force, and a geometric converter for motion transformation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, thereby managing complexity while improving ease of operation.
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
The solution provides a secure plug retention without increasing the outlet's size, preventing unintentional disengagement and allowing for easy assembly, while being compatible with various connector types and sizes, including IEC60320 standards.
Implementation Method 1
uses a retaining element with contact teeth or rubber pads to establish a frictional or form-fit connection with the plug's isolated surface
Implementation Method 2
uses a retaining element with contact teeth or rubber pads to establish a frictional or form-fit connection with the plug's isolated surface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to an electrical plug retainer outlet, more particularly, to the retention of power cord plugs plugged into the electrical plug retainer outlet. A locking and releasing mechanism for restraining the power pin of a plug needs a voluminous installation space. An electrical outlet with a plug retention function of less additional size compared to an outlet without plug retention function provides a form-fit and/or frictional connection to a plug connected to the connector outlet.