Power Inlet Socket Insulating Barrier Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power inlet sockets fail to effectively prevent the flow of instantaneous high currents between connection terminals, leading to potential damage to electronic devices during high-voltage events like lightning strikes, due to insufficient insulating distance.
Innovation Solution
A power inlet socket design that incorporates an insulating barrier between connection terminals, including a threshold and top cover, to increase the insulating distance and block direct current paths, thereby preventing high currents from flowing between terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the insulating distance between connection terminals is increased, then the ability to block instantaneous high current is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating barrier is introduced as an intermediary element between connection terminals to block instantaneous high current. The barrier includes a threshold portion extending from the socket body and a top cover that together create an extended insulating path, preventing direct current flow between terminals while maintaining structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating barrier extends in the vertical dimension by incorporating a threshold portion that projects from the socket body bottom surface and a top cover that covers the connection terminals. This three-dimensional structure increases the insulating distance without requiring lateral expansion of the device footprint.
2Reliability
If the insulating distance between connection terminals is increased, then the protection against high-voltage events is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating barrier is integrated by merging multiple components: the threshold portion is formed as part of the socket body structure, while the top cover is coupled to complete the barrier. This merging approach simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps compared to using multiple discrete insulating elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The top cover serves multiple functions: it completes the insulating barrier structure, provides mechanical support for connection terminals, and maintains the structural integrity of the socket assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the insulating barrier structure is added, then the current blocking capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating barrier is segmented into two functional portions: a threshold portion that extends from the socket body to begin the insulating path, and a top cover that completes the barrier over the connection terminals. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
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 increased insulating distance effectively diverts high currents away from the electronic device, reducing the risk of damage from high-voltage events by creating a longer surface path for current to bypass, thus protecting the device.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating barrier provided between at least a pair of connection terminals of the three terminal pins to cut off an electric current flowing among the connection terminals
Data Source
AI summary
A power inlet socket coupled to a power delivering member of an electronic device to supply power from an external power plug to the electronic device includes a socket body comprising a power plug connector connected to the external power plug and a power delivering member connector connected to the power delivering member; three terminal pins, each terminal pin comprises a projecting pin extending from the power plug connector in parallel with one another to correspond to a terminal of the external power plug and a connection terminal exposed to the power delivering member connector; and an insulating barrier provided between at least a pair of connection terminals of the three terminal pins to cut off an electric current flowing among the connection terminals. Thus, the insulating distance of power inlet socket is improved.