Multi-Orientation Electrical Receptacle with Shared Contacts and TMOV Surge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarized duplex receptacles are limited in orientation flexibility, leading to cable strain issues when connecting devices from different directions, and lack effective protection against electrical surges and spikes.
Innovation Solution
The improved electrical receptacle features multiple outlets with shared contact openings and a thermally protected metal oxide varistor (TMOV) with a thermal fuse and MOV to provide surge protection, allowing for flexible connector orientation and reduced cable strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional polarized duplex receptacle is used with a single orientation, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the adaptability to different connection directions is limited causing cable strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple outlets into a single receptacle body, where outlets are positioned at different orientations (e.g., 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees) to accommodate connectors from various directions. This combining approach provides multi-orientation adaptability without requiring separate receptacles for each orientation, thus improving versatility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with universal functionality by incorporating outlets that can receive electrical connectors in multiple orientations. Each outlet includes contact openings arranged to accept polarized plugs regardless of their rotational orientation, making the receptacle adaptable to different connection scenarios without requiring orientation-specific designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple outlets in different orientations are provided, then the adaptability to connect devices from different directions is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple outlets in a compact, nested configuration within the receptacle body. Outlets are positioned in concentric or overlapping patterns that maximize space utilization, allowing multi-orientation connectivity while minimizing the overall footprint of the receptacle.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement to position outlets at different orientations. By distributing outlets across multiple dimensions (vertical, horizontal, and angular positions), the design achieves multi-directional adaptability without proportionally increasing the receptacle's surface area.
3Ease of operation
If electrical devices are connected from different directions, then the adaptability is improved, but cable strain occurs due to conflicting connection orientations
Solution Approach 1:
Each outlet in the receptacle is designed with locally optimized contact opening arrangements tailored to its specific orientation. For example, outlets at 0 degrees have contact openings configured for horizontal connections, while outlets at 90 degrees have vertically optimized contacts. This local customization allows each outlet to minimize cable strain for its intended direction without compromising the overall receptacle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle provides dynamic adaptability by allowing users to select the most appropriate outlet based on cable routing requirements. The multiple orientations offer flexible options that can adapt to changing installation scenarios, enabling optimal cable strain reduction for each specific connection scenario.
4Reliability
If electrical surges and spikes are not protected, then the device complexity remains low, but sensitive electronics within connected devices can be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle incorporates surge protection mechanisms that are pre-installed and activated before any electrical surge occurs. The protection circuitry is designed to automatically detect and respond to surges and spikes, neutralizing them before they can reach connected devices. This preliminary protective action ensures device reliability without requiring complex user intervention or post-surge repairs.
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 enables versatile connector orientation, reducing cable strain and effectively protecting connected devices from electrical surges and spikes, enhancing the receptacle's functionality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally protected metal oxide varistor (TMOV) that employs a thermal fuse and a metal oxide varistor (MOV) in order to protect electrical devices that are connected with the electrical receptacle from damage due to extended surges and spikes
Implementation Method 2
the thermal fuse being responsive to a temperature increase resulting from excessive power dissipation by the MOV
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle provides a plurality of outlets that are in different orientations. The electrical receptacle has a housing having a plurality of openings formed therein which are also referred to as contact openings, with each outlet having three contact openings. Each such outlet has a contact opening that is common with another outlet, meaning that a contact opening of one outlet and a contact opening of another outlet are actually an individual contact opening that is common to the two outlets and is thus shared therebetween. The electrical receptacle additionally includes a thermally protected metal oxide varistor (TMOV) that employs a thermal fuse and a metal oxide varistor (MOV) in order to protect electrical devices that are connected with the electrical receptacle from damage due to extended surges and spikes.