Plug-Socket Retainer with Barrier Shield for Secure Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug-socket systems often experience inadvertent disconnection, leading to inefficient operation and potential fire hazards due to debris entry, and existing solutions are complex, costly, or ineffective in providing secure connections and shielding.
Innovation Solution
An electrical plug-socket assembly with a retainer mechanism that securely engages the plug and socket, preventing horizontal displacement and rotation, and includes a barrier shield to prevent debris entry, featuring a combination of friction-fit engagement, resilient backstops, and anti-rotation features for secure and reliable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple plug-socket connection is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inadvertent disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system automatically engages with the plug and socket upon connection, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional user action. The retainer's resilient arms automatically clamp onto the plug body and socket housing, maintaining continuous pressure to prevent disconnection while allowing easy removal when deliberately pulled.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates resilient arms that dynamically adjust their clamping force based on the connection state. When the plug is inserted, the resilient arms are compressed and exert continuous elastic force to maintain secure engagement. The dynamic nature allows the system to transition smoothly between connected and disconnected states while maintaining reliability during operation.
2Reliability
If a retainer system is added to prevent disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer system combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: mechanical retention through resilient arms, shielding through the barrier shield, and structural support through the central body. This merging eliminates the need for separate retainers, shields, and mounting hardware, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides connection security, debris shielding, and structural support. The barrier shield portion provides both protection against debris and additional structural reinforcement, while the resilient arms provide both retention and shock absorption, reducing the total number of components needed.
3Ease of manufacture
If open plug-socket connection is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but harmful factors increase due to debris entry
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier shield is constructed as a flexible yet protective structure that extends between the plug and socket, creating a physical barrier against debris while allowing the plug to be inserted and removed. The shield's design provides continuous coverage without requiring complex sealing mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while effectively preventing dust, lint, and other contaminants from entering the connection interface.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier shield is added to prevent debris entry, then harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier shield is integrated directly into the retainer body as a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate shield components and their associated mounting hardware. The shield forms an continuous protective barrier between the plug and socket while maintaining a simple two-piece construction that is easy to manufacture and assemble.
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
Ensures a secure and reliable connection between the plug and socket, preventing inadvertent disconnection and debris entry, while being easily and economically manufactured and installed, thus enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of electrical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient backstop operable to abut the plug
Implementation Method 2
featuring a combination of friction-fit engagement
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug-socket assembly with a retainer operable to securely engage a plug and a socket and prevent displacement of the plug relative to the socket.