Power Plug Retention Clip for Vibration-Proof Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard power connectors, such as IEC C13/C14 connectors, lack positive locking features, leading to frequent disconnection and safety concerns, especially in applications like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) where continuous power is critical.
Innovation Solution
A retention clip with a clip body featuring a retention portion and an extendable portion, including clips and release levers, that securely engages and stabilizes power plugs within power distribution devices, providing a vibration-proof connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard power connectors are used without positive locking features, then the device structure remains simple, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to frequent disconnection and loose connections
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is divided into distinct functional segments: clips for engaging the power plug, posts for securing to the support structure, and release levers for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip incorporates movable release levers that can be pressed to disengage the clips from the power plug. This dynamic element provides controlled connectivity - the connection is secure during normal operation but can be easily released when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and operational flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a retention clip with clips and release levers is added to secure the power plug, then the connection stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention clip is designed to be self-securing - once the release levers are pressed and the clips engage the power plug, the mechanism automatically maintains the stable connection without requiring additional components or complex control systems. The spring-loaded clips provide continuous engagement force, ensuring connection stability through self-sustaining mechanical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention clip acts as an intermediary component between the power plug and the support structure. Rather than directly modifying the power plug or the support structure, the retention clip provides a standardized interface that secures the connection while maintaining simplicity of the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If the retention clip is designed to be vibration-proof, then the connection reliability improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tighter engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The release levers provide a dynamic release mechanism that overcomes the tight engagement force of the vibration-proof clips. By pressing the release levers, the user can easily disengage the connection despite the strong holding force, thus maintaining both vibration-proof reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism is asymmetric - the clips exert strong continuous force to secure the power plug against vibrations, but the release levers provide an easy one-directional release action. This asymmetry allows the connection to be both securely held during operation and easily released when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A retention clip includes a clip body having a retention portion configured to releasably engage and releasably secure a plug. The retention portion includes clips extending from the clip body. The clips are configured to engage and releasably secure the clip body to the plug. The clip body further includes at least one post extending from the clip body. The at least one post is configured to secure the clip body to a connector element of a support structure by coupling with the connector element.