Power Adapter Asymmetrical Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power adapters and connector units in communication systems face challenges with complex and confusing wiring, incorrect assembly, and potential safety hazards due to lack of foolproof design, leading to reduced efficiency and increased risk of electrical issues.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter design featuring two connector mechanisms with tubular bodies and plug connectors, a connecting unit with asymmetrical structures and identification members for correct alignment, and a connection module for secure electrical connections, ensuring accurate assembly and reducing wiring complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple power adapters and connector units are used to provide sufficient power to densely configured devices, then power supply capacity is improved, but wiring complexity increases and assembly becomes confusing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connector units into a single integrated power adapter assembly. The first and second connector units are mounted on the same adapter body with a unified structure, allowing multiple power cables to be managed together rather than as separate scattered components. This merging reduces wiring complexity while maintaining the power supply capacity needed for densely configured devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional power adapter design is used without foolproof mechanisms, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but assembly accuracy decreases and incorrect connections occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetrical design in the connector units and their receiving spaces. The first and second connector units have different configurations, and their corresponding receiving spaces are designed with matching asymmetrical features. This ensures that connector units can only be assembled in the correct orientation, preventing incorrect connections while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through straightforward structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter body pre-defines specific receiving spaces for connector units before assembly. The first and second receiving spaces are positioned and dimensioned in advance to guide proper placement of connector units. This preliminary configuration ensures assembly accuracy is achieved through the built-in structural guidance rather than requiring complex assembly procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connector units are scattered and difficult to integrate, then individual component flexibility is maintained, but assembly efficiency decreases and wiring work becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple connector units into a unified adapter assembly where the first and second connector units are mounted on the same body with shared structural support. This merging maintains the functional flexibility of having separate connector units while dramatically improving assembly efficiency through the integrated structure that guides and consolidates the wiring work.
4Device complexity
If no foolproof design is provided between sleeve member and connector unit, then structural simplicity is maintained, but connection reliability decreases and wrong direction assembly occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements asymmetrical features in the connector units and their corresponding receiving spaces within the adapter body. The first connector unit has a configuration that matches the first receiving space, and the second connector unit matches the second receiving space, with each pair having unique asymmetrical characteristics. This ensures connection reliability by preventing wrong-direction assembly while maintaining structural simplicity through the straightforward asymmetrical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter includes a connecting unit having a base plate, and first and second bodies cooperatively clamping therebetween the base plate. The first body includes a first main plate having a first opening, a first sleeve member defining a first space configured to receive a plug connector of a connector mechanism, a first connecting member provided on one side of the first main plate, and a second connecting member provided on the other side of the first main plate. The second body includes a second main plate having a second opening, and a second sleeve member defining a second space and configured to receive a plug connector of another connector mechanism. The connecting unit further has a connection module extending through the base plate.