Integrated Power Plug Assembly for Redundant Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for providing a redundant ground terminal in healthcare settings are deficient, as they often require separate connections and are not consistently installed, making it difficult for healthcare facilities to comply with safety standards like UL2930.
Innovation Solution
A power plug assembly with a plug housing, electrical terminals, a first ground terminal, nonconductive terminals, and a second ground terminal, which allows for a single plug to establish both primary and secondary ground connections, simplifying the process of meeting redundant ground requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods are used to provide a second ground terminal with separate connections, then the redundant ground connection can be established, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring multiple cords or connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate ground connections into a single integrated plug assembly. The first ground terminal connects to the first receptacle ground aperture, while the second ground terminal connects to the second receptacle ground aperture, both through one plug body. This merging eliminates the need for separate cords or connections while maintaining the redundant ground connection requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single plug assembly performs multiple functions: it provides both the first ground connection and the second ground connection simultaneously. The plug body integrates multiple terminals (first ground terminal and second ground terminal) that can establish redundant ground connections to different receptacles, making the device universal and multi-functional.
2Reliability
If conventional methods require separate connections for the second ground terminal, then the redundant ground can be provided, but the ease of operation worsens as nurses may refuse to connect the second ground wire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of establishing both ground connections into a single action. By integrating both ground terminals into one plug assembly, the user only needs to perform one insertion operation rather than handling separate wires or connections, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is pre-configured with both ground terminals and their respective connections before use. The first ground terminal and second ground terminal are already connected to the appropriate receptacles when the plug is inserted, eliminating the need for users to perform additional connection actions during operation.
3Reliability
If the second ground terminal is connected to an auxiliary wire from the main plug, then the redundant ground can be established, but the device complexity increases and the plug and socket configuration becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the auxiliary wire connection approach into the main plug body structure. Both the first ground terminal and second ground terminal are integrated into the plug housing, eliminating the need for separate auxiliary wire connections and simplifying the overall plug and socket configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug assembly is designed as a universal multi-functional device that provides both ground connections through its integrated structure. The first ground terminal and second ground terminal are both part of the standard plug configuration, making the system more universal and less complex.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a power plug assembly includes a plug housing, a set of electrical terminals configured to be inserted into a first set of electrical apertures of a first receptacle of an electrical outlet, a first ground terminal configured to be inserted into a first ground aperture of the first receptacle of the electrical outlet, a second ground terminal configured to be inserted into a second ground aperture of a second receptacle of the electrical outlet, a non-protruding portion configured to abut a second set of electrical apertures of the second receptacle of the electrical outlet, and a cord enveloping wires that extend from the plug housing via a side surface of the plug housing, and wherein the wires are coupled to the set of electrical terminals and the first and second ground terminals.