Receptacle Structure with Micro Switch for Arc Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
AC adapters are prone to electric arcs at the contacts, which can cause the plastic body to melt due to improper user usage, highlighting the need for a receptacle structure that can resist such arcs.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle structure with an insulated body, a pair of pins, and a micro switch that automatically opens when a plug is not fully inserted, preventing power delivery and thus avoiding electric arcs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple receptacle structure with pins is used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but electric arcs occur at the contacts causing the plastic body to melt
Solution Approach 1:
An insulated bridge structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the pins and the plug contacts. This bridge is designed to be pushed by the plug during insertion, controlling the timing of electrical connection. The bridge acts as a mechanical mediator that ensures proper insertion depth before allowing electrical contact, preventing electric arcs during the insertion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro switch is configured to close beforehand (when the bridge is in its initial position) and opens when the plug is fully inserted (when the bridge is pushed). This preliminary action of closing the switch before full insertion ensures that the circuit is already protected by the bridge structure, preventing arcs during the critical insertion phase.
2Reliability
If a micro switch is added to control power delivery, then electric arcs are resisted, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro switch is integrated directly into the insulated bridge structure, merging two functional elements (the bridge and the switch) into a single combined component. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly process, offsetting the complexity added by the switch itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulated bridge serves multiple functions: it provides electrical insulation, acts as a mechanical push element for the micro switch, and controls the timing of power delivery. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving arc resistance.
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 solution effectively prevents electric arcs from occurring at the contacts, thereby preventing the plastic parts from melting and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
continuous electric arcs easily occur at the contacts in the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
The receptacle includes an insulated body, a pair of pins and a micro switch. The insulated body has a recess. The pair of pins is fixed in the insulated body and located in the recess. The pair of pins includes a first pin and a second pin. The second pin electrically connects a wire. Each of the first and second pins has a free end. The recess is divided into an inner region and an outer region by the two free ends. The micro switch is movably connected in the insulated body and disposed correspondingly to the wire. The micro switch has a contact sheet which can selectively be in contact with the wire. The micro switch is located in the inner region of the recess.