Insulated Relay Socket Layout for Lower Standby Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a growing demand to reduce power consumption of electronic devices to achieve carbon neutrality, and existing sockets do not adequately address this need.

Innovation Solution

A socket design featuring a housing with spaced first and second attachment parts, a substrate mounted with a power-saving circuit, and an insulating part between the second attachment part and the substrate, along with linearly extending solid wires for electrical connections, to reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a relay socket is used to control electronic devices, then the electronic device can be switched on and off, but the socket itself consumes power continuously which increases overall power consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumption of electronic deviceVSAvoidpower consumption of socket
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The socket performs preliminary actions by detecting the presence and state of the connected electronic device before the device actually consumes power. The detection circuit monitors the line voltage and device status, allowing the socket to prepare for power control actions in advance, thereby reducing unnecessary continuous power consumption while maintaining effective device control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical relay switching mechanisms with electronic detection and control circuits. Instead of using a mechanical relay that requires continuous power for operation, the socket uses electronic components to detect device state and control power delivery, significantly reducing the socket's own power consumption while maintaining the ability to switch connected devices

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Volume of moving object

If the substrate is positioned close to the second attachment part for compact design, then the socket structure is more compact, but electrical insulation between the substrate and attachment part becomes difficult to ensure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesocket sizeVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an insulating part as an intermediary element positioned between the substrate and the second attachment part. This insulating component acts as a mediator that maintains electrical isolation while allowing the substrate to be positioned close to the attachment part, thus achieving both compact dimensions and reliable electrical insulation without compromising safety or functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design achieves a socket that effectively reduces power consumption of connected electronic devices, inhibiting the need for rewiring and ensuring reliable, long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

the housing includes an insulating part that is positioned between the second attachment part and the substrate, and insulates the substrate from the second attachment part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4675866A1socket
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 OMRON CORP
  • EP4675866A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4675866A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4675866A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A socket includes a housing and a substrate. The housing includes a first attachment part and a second attachment part that are positioned to be spaced apart in a first direction. The first attachment part is configured such that an electronic device is attachable in a state in which the electronic device is electrically connected. The second attachment part is configured to be attachable to a support. The substrate is positioned at an end part of both end parts in the first direction inside the housing, the end part being close to the second attachment part. A circuit configured to reduce power consumption of the electronic device is mounted on the substrate. The housing includes an insulating part that is positioned between the second attachment part and the substrate, and insulates the substrate from the second attachment part.