Power Socket Piston Spring Front Space Terminal Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power outlets are limited in their design, as the size of springs at the base restricts the arrangement of connection terminals, preventing alternative orientations and efficient lateral electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
The power socket design relocates the piston-raising means to the front space, allowing the rear space to be used for connection terminals aligned at 45° relative to the horizontal axis, with transverse contact blades for lateral terminal connections, and employs a compression spring to maintain the piston in the high position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If springs are placed in the base of the socket, then the piston return mechanism is provided, but the arrangement of connection terminals is restricted and cannot be oriented at alternative angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the piston return mechanism from the base plane to the front space, utilizing the depth dimension of the socket. This dimensional shift frees the base plane for terminal arrangements at any orientation, including the innovative 45-degree angle configuration, while the piston return mechanism operates in the front space along the insertion well axis.
2Ease of operation
If connection terminals are arranged in the base, then electrical connections are provided, but lateral electrical connections from opposite sides are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the base space into functionally independent zones: the rear space is dedicated to connection terminals with 45-degree orientation, while the front space accommodates the piston return mechanism. This segmentation enables transverse contact blades to extend laterally from opposite sides of the base, achieving bilateral electrical connections without interfering with terminal arrangements.
3Extent of automation
If friction elements are used on the piston, then the piston can be raised when plug prongs are withdrawn, but the lifting mechanism is not very efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based lifting mechanism with a spring-based mechanical system. The compression spring provides direct elastic force to push the piston upward, eliminating the inefficiencies of friction elements and providing a more reliable and energy-efficient automatic lifting mechanism when the electrical plug is withdrawn.
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
This design frees up space for innovative terminal arrangements and ensures efficient electrical connections without interfering with the terminals, enhancing usability and installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a compression spring which exerts a force which tends to push the piston to its upper position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a power outlet (1) comprising an insulating base (10) housing: - a cylindrical wall (22) delimiting an insertion well (2) for an electrical plug, - a piston (50) closing the section of the well, movable in translation relative to said cylindrical wall, between a high position and a low position, - means for locking (82) the piston in its high position which act between the piston and the cylindrical wall, - means for raising (60) the piston from its low position to its high position, which constantly exert a force tending to return the piston to the high position, and, - connection terminals (40) adapted to receive connection pins of said electrical plug.According to the invention, said means for raising the piston are located exclusively in a front space (1A) delimited laterally by said cylindrical wall, and, at the rear, by a hood (30) which closes, at the front, a rear space (1B) for mounting the connection terminals.