Power Strip Clamping Assembly for Fast Table-Edge Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power strip assemblies are difficult to easily and quickly attach or mount onto various supporting members or tables due to inadequate securing mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A power strip assembly with a clamping device featuring a follower and anchoring elements that can pivot and be secured to a table plate using a fastener, allowing the power strip to be easily attached through a tiny space beside the edge of the table, with a non-circular cross-section compartment and screw hole for stable anchoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional power strip housing body is used, then the basic function of receiving sockets and plugs is achieved, but the power strip cannot be easily and quickly attached or mounted onto supporting members or tables
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a follower that interfaces with the table surface, anchoring elements that provide secure attachment, and a fastening system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of the mounting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring elements are pre-positioned on the follower in a retracted state, allowing the follower to be inserted through the table opening first. The anchoring elements then engage with the table surface during the mounting process, eliminating the need for pre-drilled holes or complex alignment procedures.
2Reliability
If a secure mounting mechanism is implemented, then the power strip can be firmly attached to tables, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The follower automatically positions itself on the table surface, the anchoring elements self-engage with the table, and the fastening system self-locks, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or multiple adjustment steps by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring elements are designed to be movable relative to the follower, transitioning from a retracted state during insertion to an engaged state during mounting. This dynamic configuration allows the mechanism to adapt to slight variations in table surface geometry while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If the follower is designed to move up and down relative to the table plate, then secure engagement is achieved, but the mounting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical movement function, anchoring engagement, and fastening operations are merged into a single integrated clamping device assembly. The follower, anchoring elements, and fastening mechanism work together as one unit, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall mounting procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower serves multiple functions: it provides the interface for inserting the mounting assembly through the table opening, supports the anchoring elements during engagement, and transmits the fastening force to secure the power strip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A power strip assembly includes a receptacle having a carrier member extended from the receptacle, a number of plug connecting members engaged in the receptacle, a clamping device includes a coupling extension extended from a follower, and one or more anchoring elements disposed below the follower and each pivotally attached to the coupling extension with a pivot axle for engaging with the table plate, the anchoring element is pivotable relative to the coupling extension between a working position parallel to the coupling extension and a folded position perpendicular to the coupling extension, and a fastener is engaged with the carrier member and the follower for moving the follower relative to the table plate and to be secured to the table plate with the fastener.