Power Socket Latch Mechanism for Secure Plug Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power sockets in PDUs lack sufficient retaining force to prevent power plugs from loosening due to human or unintended conditions, compromising the neatness, reliability, and safety of data center power distribution, and existing solutions fail to maintain aesthetic appearance and compatibility with standard plugs.
Innovation Solution
A power socket design featuring a latch member with sliding arms and protrusions that engage with the power plug's lateral walls, enhancing the retaining force through a manual push-pull operation, allowing for easy latching and unlatching, and maintaining compatibility with standard power plugs without the need for custom designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional accessories are added to increase retaining force, then the retaining force between power plug and power socket is improved, but the aesthetic appearance of the cabinet deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is nested within the main body of the power socket, with the arm sliding along a latching slot that is formed inside the main body. The protrusion on the arm engages with the power plug from within the socket structure, without requiring external accessories or protruding components. This nested design provides enhanced retaining force while preserving the clean, aesthetic appearance of the cabinet.
2Reliability
If the power socket is designed to match with a specific power plug, then the retaining force is improved, but the adaptability to other power plugs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member is designed with a universal configuration where the arm can slide along the latching slot and the protrusion can engage with the lateral wall of various standard power plugs. The latching mechanism does not require customization for different plug types, allowing the same power socket design to work with multiple standard power plug specifications while providing enhanced retaining force.
3Ease of operation
If the latch member structure is simplified for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the retaining force may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member employs a dynamic sliding mechanism where the arm moves along the latching slot in response to user input. The protrusion on the arm dynamically engages with or disengages from the power plug's lateral wall based on the arm's position. This dynamic design allows simple one-handed push-pull operation while maintaining strong retaining force when latched, as the sliding action provides mechanical advantage and secure engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A power socket includes a main body and a latch member. The main body includes a connection seat, a receiving recess and a latching slot. The connection seat is disposed within the receiving recess and configured to electrically connect with a plug passing, when the power plug is fitted in the receiving recess along a first direction. The latching slot is in communication with the receiving recess. The latch member includes an arm slidable along the latching slot from a first position to a second position along a second direction. The arm includes at least one protrusion configured to slide into the receiving recess for engaging with a lateral wall of the power plug when the arm slides towards the second position.