Retractable Prong Charger With Locking Arm Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charger devices with permanently deployed prongs are bulky, making them inconvenient for transportation and increasing the risk of snagging or accidental stowing.
Innovation Solution
A charger device with retractable prongs coupled by a cross-member, biased towards an extended position, and a locking arm mechanism that allows for easy deployment and stowage, enabling the prongs to be safely and compactly stored within the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prongs are permanently deployed, then electrical connection is ensured, but device size increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the prongs movable rather than fixed. The prongs can extend outward to engage with electrical outlets and retract inward to be stored within the housing. This dynamic configuration allows the device to transition between two states: an operational state with extended prongs for reliable electrical connection, and a compact state with retracted prongs for reduced volume and improved portability.
2Volume of moving object
If prongs are retractable, then device portability is improved, but risk of accidental stowing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the preliminary action principle through the biasing mechanism that continuously exerts force to keep the prongs in their extended, ready-to-use position. This preliminary action ensures that the prongs are automatically positioned for operation and will not accidentally retract during normal handling or transportation, thereby preventing operational failures while maintaining the portability benefits of the retractable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the preliminary anti-action principle by using a biasing mechanism that pre-applies force in the opposite direction of accidental retraction. The spring or elastic element continuously pushes the prongs outward, creating a counteracting force that prevents unintended retraction during handling, dropping, or compression, thus maintaining operational reliability while enabling the compact retractable design.
3Reliability
If locking mechanism is added, then accidental stowing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by designing a biasing mechanism that automatically maintains the prongs in their extended position without requiring user intervention. The spring or elastic element continuously exerts force to keep the prongs ready for operation, providing self-regulating operational stability without adding complex locking mechanisms, switches, or control systems that would increase device complexity.
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 retractable prongs reduce the device's size, enhance portability, minimize snagging risks, and allow for easy one-handed operation, even in limited visibility situations, while preventing accidental stowing.
Implementation Method 1
the prongs being biased toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical device includes: a housing, prongs for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by a cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended position in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward the extended position, a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for receiving the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second end for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position, the first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and the locking arm being biased toward the passage and electrical components for electrically communicating with a portable electronic device.