Power Adapter Plug Rotation-Proof Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power adapters with exchangeable plugs are inconvenient to assemble and disassemble and occupy excessive space, making them bulky and difficult to carry, especially for travel.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter design featuring a recess in the main body with a sliding recess and a rotation-proof component that allows the plug to be easily assembled and disassembled by elastic reciprocation, preventing reverse rotation through a restoring mechanism, thus simplifying the process and reducing the adapter's volume and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding portion is wedged into an opening for preventing reverse rotation, then the plug is secured against reverse rotation, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes inconvenient and requires pressing force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the rotation-proof portion elastic and capable of dynamic deformation. The rotation-proof portion can be elastically deformed during assembly to allow the protruding portion to pass through, and then restores its original shape to prevent reverse rotation. This dynamic behavior eliminates the need for continuous pressing force during normal operation while maintaining security against reverse rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the elastic properties of the rotation-proof portion. The material or structural parameters of the rotation-proof portion are designed to allow temporary deformation under assembly force, then restore to the original state to provide reverse rotation prevention. This parameter change enables both easy assembly and reliable locking without requiring complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a traditional engaging structure with guiding recess is used, then the plug is prevented from reverse rotation, but the space occupied increases and the volume of the power adapter is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the rotation-proof portion directly into the existing sliding recess structure of the main body. The rotation-proof portion is nested within the sliding recess, utilizing the same spatial envelope. This eliminates the need for separate guiding recesses and additional structural elements, thereby preventing reverse rotation while minimizing the increase in power adapter volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining the reverse rotation prevention function with the existing sliding engagement mechanism. The rotation-proof portion is integrated into the sliding recess structure, merging two functions (sliding guidance and reverse rotation prevention) into a single unified structure. This reduces the overall space required compared to having separate structures for each function.
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 design simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the plug with the main body, reducing the power adapter's size and weight, making it more convenient for travel while maintaining secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
the protruding portion presses elastically the rotation-proof portion and slides through the rotation-proof portion, and then, the rotation-proof portion restores its elasticity and abuts against the protruding portion for preventing the plug from reverse rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter has a main body. A top of the main body defines a recess and an annular sidewall enclosing the recess. The annular sidewall has a sliding recess extending along the circumference of an inner surface thereof. A rotation-proof component defines a rotation-proof portion received in the sliding recess. A plug rotatably and detachably mounted to the main body defines a protruding portion at one side thereof. The protruding portion is capable of reciprocally sliding in the sliding recess and elastically pressing the rotation-proof portion for passing through the rotation-proof portion and then being restrained from reverse rotation because of restoration of the rotation-proof portion.