Plug Retention System for Vehicle Power Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of connections for charging mobile devices, such as USB connectors, leads to a higher likelihood of accidental disconnection, particularly in shared transportation settings like ride-sharing, where cords may be inadvertently or intentionally removed from vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A retention assembly for electrical cords that includes an adapter with radially extending retention members and a housing to secure the cord's plug end to a vehicle's 12V auxiliary power outlet, preventing removal by using pointed tips, a wedge member, or gripping members, and a latch mechanism to ensure the cord remains connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple connection types (USB connectors, adapters) are used to enable mobile devices to connect to various power sources, then the versatility and adaptability of charging solutions is improved, but the likelihood of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating retention members that proactively prevent disconnection before it occurs. The retention members extend radially outward to engage with the outlet sidewall, creating a mechanical barrier that stops the adapter from being accidentally pulled out, thus counteracting the disconnection force before separation happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by making the retention members movable rather than fixed. The retention members can extend radially outward to engage the outlet and retract when not needed, allowing the system to adapt between a compact state and an engaged state, providing both versatility and secure connection when required.
2Reliability
If retention members extend radially outward to engage the outlet sidewall, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the adapter into distinct functional components: the housing, the electronic assembly, and multiple independent retention members. Each retention member can be independently positioned and controlled, allowing complex functionality to be achieved through simple, modular elements rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated adapter unit. The adapter combines the electronic assembly (for power connection) with the retention members (for mechanical securing) and the housing (for structural support and cord retention) into one unified device that performs both electrical and mechanical functions simultaneously.
3Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the retention housing to the adapter, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is pre-configured in the housing structure, with the latch member and receptacle already positioned to engage automatically. This preliminary arrangement means that when the retention housing is assembled to the adapter, the latch engages automatically without requiring additional manual steps, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure connection.
Data Source
AI summary
Retention assemblies for retaining a first end of an electrical cord in engagement with an electrical outlet are described that include an adapter with a housing having a cylindrical plug portion and retention members that extend radially outwardly from the cylindrical plug portion of the housing to engage a sidewall of the electrical outlet and cause the adapter to resist removal from the electrical outlet. The retention assemblies further include a retention housing that is configured to couple to the adapter, where the retention housing includes one or more walls that define a back opening, a front opening, and an interior sized to receive the first end of the electrical cord. The front opening includes a portion having a dimension smaller than a dimension of the first end to thereby retain the first end within the retention housing.