Power Outlet Unit with Ring-Shaped Magnetic Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical sockets with magnetic positioning elements are expensive due to the large dimensions of annular magnetic elements required for positioning pins, leading to increased manufacturing costs and bulkiness.
Innovation Solution
A set of electrical sockets with a ring-shaped magnetic element and a concentric electrical track made from a material capable of guiding a magnetic field, reducing material usage and accommodating one of the electrical contacts, allowing for a balanced magnetic force and efficient connection without the need for precise alignment or effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an annular magnetic element is used for positioning pins, then the magnetic force can hold the plug against the base and move pins into contact position, but the manufacturing cost and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular magnetic element is segmented into a first magnetic element and a second magnetic element positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each magnetic element to serve specific positioning functions, reducing the need for a large annular magnetic element while maintaining effective magnetic force for pin positioning and plug holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional annular magnetic element to a three-dimensional arrangement of discrete magnetic elements at different positions and heights. This dimensional change enables effective magnetic positioning without requiring the continuous annular structure, reducing material usage and manufacturing cost.
2Reliability
If an annular magnetic element is used for positioning pins, then the magnetic force can hold the plug against the base and move pins into contact position, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the annular magnetic element into discrete first and second magnetic elements, the overall volume required for magnetic positioning is reduced. The segmented approach allows magnetic elements to be positioned only where needed, eliminating the bulk of a continuous annular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing magnetic force uniformly around the entire annular path, the invention uses partial magnetic elements positioned strategically to provide sufficient magnetic force for pin positioning and plug holding, reducing the total magnetic material volume while maintaining effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If conventional electrical sockets are used, then the structure is simple, but the user must position pins correctly and provide large effort to push pins into openings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the conventional mechanical pin insertion system with a magnetic positioning system. Magnetic forces automatically attract and position the pins in the correct openings without requiring user manipulation, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment and reducing insertion effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic elements enable the socket system to automatically position and align the pins with the openings without user intervention. The magnetic attraction force self-adjusts to guide the pins into the correct positions, making the connection process automatic and eliminating manual positioning requirements.
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 solution reduces manufacturing costs and size while ensuring a satisfactory connection by using a ring-shaped magnetic element and a conductive material for the electrical track, allowing automatic alignment and contact without user effort or precise orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The base is provided with a first magnetic element adapted to collaborate with a second magnetic element fitted to the plug so as to generate a magnetic force able to position and hold the plug against the base
Implementation Method 2
generate a magnetic force able to position and hold the plug against the base and to move the electrical contacts into the second position
Implementation Method 3
the first electrical track is made from a material capable of guiding a magnetic field generated by the magnetic elements when connecting the plug to the basement... makes it possible to guide the magnetic field lines, so that the magnetic force in the air gap defined between the magnetic elements is balanced
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a power outlet unit (1), which includes an electrical socket (2) and an electrical plug (3) that is suitable for electrically engaging the socket (2), removably. The socket (2) includes at least one first and one second electrical contact (22A, 22B) each suitable for respectively engaging an electrical contact having a first and a second concentric electric track (32B) of the plug (3), the electrical contacts (22A, 22B) being movable between a first position in which they are retracted inside the socket (2) and a second position in which they project from the socket (2). The socket (2) is provided with a first magnetic element (23) suitable for engaging a second magnetic element (33) mounted on the plug (3), such as to generate a magnetic force suitable for positioning and maintaining the plug (3) against the socket (2) and for moving the electrical contacts (22A, 22B) in the second position in order to establish electrical contact between the electrical tracks (32B) and the electrical contacts (22A, 22B). The first magnetic element (23) is in the shape of a ring portion and the first electric track is produced from a material suitable for guiding a magnetic field generated by the magnetic elements (23, 33) during the connection of the plug (3) to the socket (2).