Electrical Receptacle Locking Bracket Within the Socket Footprint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power cord receptacles often experience accidental disconnection due to easy removal design, which is problematic, especially in power distribution units, and existing locking solutions either increase the receptacle's footprint or require removal for installation.
Innovation Solution
A locking bracket system that is pivotably or slidably engaged with the receptacle's plate, featuring a lock tab and support arms, which can transition between unlocked and locked configurations without extending beyond the receptacle's footprint, and is biased towards the locked position using springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the receptacle to prevent accidental disconnection, then the reliability of the electrical connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bracket is nested within the receptacle structure, with support arms that fit into notched areas of the plate. The lock tab is positioned to engage with the plug without requiring external locking components, effectively nesting the locking mechanism within the existing receptacle footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket is designed to be movable between locked and unlocked positions through pivoting or sliding motion. This dynamic design allows the bracket to transition from a blocking position (when unlocked) to a non-interfering position (when locked), enabling easy plug insertion while maintaining connection security.
2Reliability
If a locking bracket is integrated into the receptacle plate, then the plug retention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bracket is designed as a separate component from the receptacle plate, allowing it to be manufactured independently and then attached to the plate. This segmentation enables simplified manufacturing of each component while maintaining the integrated locking function when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket includes features such as spring biasing and geometric constraints that enable it to automatically engage and lock into position during assembly. The support arms with notched areas and the lock tab with plug engagement features create a self-aligning, self-locating mechanism that reduces assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If the locking bracket extends beyond the receptacle footprint, then the locking capability is improved, but the area occupied by the receptacle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bracket is nested within the receptacle footprint by positioning the support arms to fit into notched areas on the plate and configuring the lock tab to engage the plug from within the existing receptacle boundaries. This nesting ensures the locking mechanism does not increase the overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking bracket utilizes the vertical dimension and lateral space within the existing receptacle footprint rather than extending horizontally beyond it. The bracket pivots or slides within the confines of the receptacle plate, employing dimensional optimization to achieve locking functionality without increasing footprint area.
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
Effectively secures plugs in place without increasing the receptacle's footprint or requiring removal for installation, preventing accidental disconnection while maintaining ease of use and installation.
Implementation Method 1
biased towards the locked position using springs
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle unit with locking feature includes a receptacle adapted to be electrically connected to a source of electricity. The receptacle includes an electrical fitting having electrical contacts contained therein and/or extending therefrom, a socket surrounding the electrical fitting, and a plate disposed at a front of the socket. The electrical receptacle unit further includes a locking bracket that includes a central portion having first and second ends, a lock tab extending from a side of the central portion, and a pair of support arms, each extending forwardly from a respective one of the first and second ends. The locking bracket is pivotably secured to the plate, with at least a portion of each support arm positioned within a respective notched area of the plate. The locking bracket is pivotable relative to the plate between a first position, whereby a plug electrically seated within the socket is unobstructed, and a second position, whereby the plug electrically seated within the socket is obstructed from removal by the lock tab.