Adjustable Mating Means for Relay Plug Socket Voltage Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current relay plug and socket assemblies lack effective means to ensure compatibility based on voltage rating configurations, leading to frequent mismatches and potential circuit malfunctions or overloading due to the absence of clear indications on relay sockets.
Innovation Solution
A socket and plug assembly with adjustable mating means that can switch between compatible and incompatible modes, featuring a mating mechanism that allows or prevents electrical contact based on position, ensuring correct voltage matching and preventing incorrect plug insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If visual indications such as labeling and color coding are used on relay plugs, then compatibility identification is improved, but the likelihood of mismatch is not substantially reduced due to frequent oversight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual indication system (labels and color codes) with a mechanical interlocking system. The mating means on the socket includes physical features such as protrusions or guides that must align with corresponding features on the plug, creating a mechanical barrier that prevents incompatible plugs from being inserted regardless of user attention or oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanical structure (mating means with alignment features) between the plug and socket that mediates the connection process. This intermediary mechanism physically verifies compatibility before allowing electrical contact, acting as a mediator that ensures only matching voltage rating configurations can connect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If no indication is provided on relay sockets, then the socket can be universally used for different voltage configurations, but users cannot easily identify the matching relay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric mating means where the socket and plug have non-symmetric physical features (such as positioned protrusions, guides, or recesses) that correspond to specific voltage rating configurations. This asymmetry allows the socket to maintain versatility through adjustable or interchangeable mating means while providing clear physical differentiation that makes relay identification intuitive through the physical form rather than visual labels.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an incompatible plug is fitted to a socket, then circuit overloading may occur, but prevention mechanisms are insufficient with current visual indications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing mechanical interlocking features in the mating means that prevent incompatible plugs from being inserted in the first place. The physical alignment requirements and interlocking structures create preliminary resistance that stops potential circuit overloading before it can occur, rather than relying on post-insertion protection mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A plug and socket assembly comprising (i) a socket that includes a mating means disposed thereon, and an electrical contact on the socket, and (ii) a plug that includes a matching means for mating with the mating means disposed on the socket, and a conducting terminal for coupling electrically to the electrical contact on the socket. The matching means is configured to be adjustable between a compatible mode and an incompatible mode. When in the compatible mode, the matching means allows the electrical contact to contact the conducting terminal, and when in the incompatible mode, the matching means substantially prevents the electrical contact from contacting the conducting terminal.