Protective Contact Socket With Spring-Loaded Locking Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional safety sockets are costly to manufacture and assemble, and require manual effort to secure the cover against the spring force during screwing, lacking efficient locking mechanisms for easy installation and child safety features.
Innovation Solution
A protective contact socket design featuring a spring-loaded locking element with an actuating ramp, allowing the cover to be locked in place using a screwdriver, and separate displaceable projections for easy assembly and child safety protection against accidental contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded cover is used to close the socket housing, then the socket is protected from dirt and accidental contact, but the cover requires manual force to hold against spring pressure during assembly and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element automatically engages with the locking position when the cover is inserted, eliminating the need for manual holding against spring force. The system serves itself by using the insertion motion to trigger the locking mechanism, which then maintains the cover in the closed position without continuous external force.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary between the cover and the socket housing, transferring the insertion force into a lateral locking action. This mediator component enables the cover to be secured without requiring the installer to continuously counteract the spring force during screwing operations.
2Shape
If the cover is designed to be flush with the leading edge of the socket housing, then aesthetics are improved, but the socket housing becomes more vulnerable to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static flush design to a dynamic system that can move between flush and retracted positions. When retracted, the cover exposes an overhang that prevents dirt accumulation while maintaining aesthetic appearance when in the flush closed position.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameter of the cover is changed from fixed to variable, allowing it to switch between flush (aesthetic) and retracted (protective) states. This parameter change enables the system to satisfy both aesthetic requirements and protection requirements at different times.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for the locking mechanism, then the locking function is more reliable, but the manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as both a spring-loaded actuator and a lateral locking element. By merging these functions, the design reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable locking functionality, thereby lowering manufacturing and assembly costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple purposes: providing spring force, guiding the cover insertion, and creating the lateral locking engagement. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
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
The design reduces manufacturing and assembly costs, simplifies installation by eliminating manual force against the spring, and provides effective child safety by automatically locking the cover when a plug is inserted or removed.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (48), arranged to push the cover (40) in the insertion direction
Implementation Method 2
the cover (40) is pushed back into its initial position by the spring (48)
Implementation Method 3
the locking element (70) has an actuating ramp (90) in the area of the mounting opening (42) which causes the locking element (70) to move when the screwdriver is pressed onto the actuating ramp (90)
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
A grounded socket outlet consists of a base and a socket housing into which a cover can be inserted. A locking element is provided to secure the cover.