Power Adapter Plug Anti-Reverse Rotation Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power adapters require a large space for assembly due to their rotating plug design, making them inconvenient for travel and potentially obstructing connections with other electrical devices when used with a socket, and the assembly process is cumbersome.

Innovation Solution

A power adapter design featuring a recess in the main body with an annular sidewall and a rotation-proof component that securely engages with the plug, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly by using a rotation-proof portion that elastically presses against the plug to prevent reverse rotation, reducing the adapter's horizontal footprint and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional rotating plug design is used with a guiding recess and protruding portion, then the plug can be prevented from reverse rotation, but the main body volume increases and the assembly process becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug anti-reverse rotationVSAvoidmain body volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation-proof component is nested within the annular sidewall of the recess, with the rotation-proof portion extending into the recess space. This nested arrangement allows the anti-reverse rotation mechanism to be integrated within the existing structure rather than adding external components, thereby preventing main body volume increase while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotation-proof component is separated as an independent element within the annular sidewall, allowing it to be assembled separately and engage with the plug through the rotation-proof recess. This segmentation simplifies the assembly process by enabling step-by-step engagement rather than requiring complex simultaneous alignment of multiple components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a conventional rotating plug design with protruding portion is used, then the plug can be prevented from reverse rotation, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes cumbersome requiring pressing down the protruding portion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug anti-reverse rotationVSAvoidassembly and disassembly convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation-proof component is pre-positioned within the annular sidewall with the rotation-proof portion extending into the recess. During assembly, the plug simply needs to be inserted and rotated, and the rotation-proof portion automatically engages with the rotation-proof recess without requiring any pressing or complex manipulation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for additional assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring the protruding portion to be pressed down to enable rotation, the design inverts the approach by having the rotation-proof portion passively engage with the rotation-proof recess during normal insertion and rotation. The anti-reverse rotation is achieved through the engagement geometry itself rather than through active pressing or locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a conventional plug design with arm and protruding portion is used, then the plug can be prevented from reverse rotation, but the horizontal space occupied increases obstructing other electrical devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplug anti-reverse rotationVSAvoidhorizontal footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotation-proof component is nested within the annular sidewall structure of the recess, utilizing the vertical space within the main body rather than extending horizontally. This allows the anti-reverse rotation mechanism to be contained within the existing footprint, preventing any increase in horizontal area while maintaining the reliability of plug engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 new design minimizes space usage when connected to a socket, allowing for easier handling during travel and simplifies the assembly and disassembly process while preventing reverse rotation, thus enhancing user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

the rotation-proof portion is elastically pressed against the plug

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS7632137B1Power adapter

Publication Date: 2009.12.15 CHENG UEI PRECISION IND CO LTD

AI summary

A power adapter has a main body of cylindrical shape. A top of the main body defines a recess and an annular sidewall enclosing the recess. A rotation-proof component received in the annular sidewall of the main body defines a rotation-proof portion extending into the recess. A plug is rotatably mounted in the recess, and a side of the plug defines at least one rotation-proof recess. The plug is rotatably secured in the recess then the rotation-proof portion is elastically pressed against the plug and finally the rotation-proof portion is released into the rotation-proof recess for restraining the plug from reverse rotation.