Reconfigurable Electrical Plug With Rotatable Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power systems require multiple separate configurations for power cables with varying numbers of electrical contacts and orientations, leading to inefficiencies and increased component requirements.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable power cord assembly with rotatable electrical contacts and a modular plug body that can accommodate different numbers and orientations of contacts, allowing for easy reconfiguration by rotating contacts within their retainers and using interchangeable faceplates to secure them in various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate power cable configurations are provided for different numbers of electrical contacts and orientations, then the system can accommodate various power delivery needs, but the device complexity and quantity of components increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The power cable assembly uses a universal plug body design that can accommodate different numbers (2, 3, or 4) and orientations of electrical contacts through a single standardized structure. The plug body includes multiple cavities that can receive different configurations of electrical contacts, eliminating the need for multiple separate cable assemblies for different power delivery requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are designed as separate, interchangeable components that can be independently configured within the plug body. Each electrical contact can be positioned in different orientations and combinations, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured for various power delivery needs without replacing the entire cable assembly.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed configurations of electrical contacts are molded into power cables, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ease of operation and reconfiguration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable within the plug body through rotation mechanisms. The contacts can be rotated to different angular orientations (e.g., 0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) and repositioned between cavities, transforming the static molded configuration into a dynamic, adjustable system that maintains manufacturing simplicity while enabling operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug body is pre-configured with multiple cavities and retention mechanisms that prepare the structure to receive electrical contacts in various configurations. This preliminary preparation allows for easy reconfiguration during operation without requiring complex assembly procedures, as the framework is already in place to accommodate different contact arrangements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contacts are made rotatable and reconfigurable, then adaptability increases, but the reliability and stability of contact alignment may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention mechanisms are pre-positioned within the plug body to automatically engage with electrical contacts when inserted. These mechanisms prepare the locking positions and alignment features in advance, ensuring that when contacts are rotated or repositioned, they are securely locked into stable, reliable configurations without requiring additional adjustment or verification steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanisms are designed to automatically secure electrical contacts in their rotated positions without external intervention. Once an electrical contact is rotated to the desired orientation, the retention mechanism self-activates to lock it in place, providing automatic stabilization and maintaining reliable contact alignment without requiring manual securing or additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug accommodates many different angular configurations of electrical contacts, has a modular design, and is sturdy and robust. In one embodiment, a reconfigurable power cord assembly includes an electrical plug having a plug body having a plurality of cavities, each cavity for receiving a single electrical contact, at least one cavity configured to allow the respective electrical contact to be positioned in one of the plurality of cavities, at one of a plurality of angular positions, each electrical contact being supported within its cavity by a contact retainer that mounts within the plug body to secure respective electrical contacts within the plug body in a predetermined orientation, wherein the plug body is configured to accommodate a plurality of electrical contact orientations, the contact retainer being removably and rotatably attached to the interior of the plug body.