Retractable Socket Panel Mechanism for Thin Plug Sockets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sockets require full insertion of plug pins, leading to increased overall thickness and mounting space, making them inconvenient to carry and occupy large mounting positions.
Innovation Solution
A socket design featuring a shell, socket panel, and transmission member, where the socket panel slides relative to the shell along an axial direction, and the transmission member slides perpendicular to this direction, allowing the panel to retract into the shell when not in use, reducing overall thickness and saving space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the socket panel is fixed and fully exposed, then the pin can be fully inserted for reliable power connection, but the overall thickness and mounting space of the socket increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to slide between an extended position (for pin insertion) and a retracted position (to reduce thickness). This dynamic structure resolves the contradiction by adapting the socket panel position based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket panel can be nested into the accommodating chamber of the shell when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting mechanism allows the socket panel to be stored within the shell body, significantly reducing the overall thickness of the socket while maintaining full functionality when needed.
2Volume of stationary object
If the socket panel is made thinner to reduce mounting space, then the mounting space is saved, but the pin cannot be fully inserted for reliable power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The movable socket panel design allows the socket to maintain a thin profile during normal operation while extending the panel when power connection is needed. This ensures that the pin can be fully inserted for reliable power transfer without requiring the socket to permanently occupy large mounting space.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket panel is preliminarily positioned in a retracted state within the accommodating chamber, ready to be extended when needed. This preliminary positioning allows the socket to occupy minimal mounting space while maintaining the capability for full pin insertion when power connection is required.
3Length of stationary object
If the socket panel is made movable to reduce thickness, then the mounting space is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional transmission mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the transmission member for horizontal movement and the socket panel for vertical movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, simplifying the overall design and making the complex motion easier to implement and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member acts as an intermediary between the pin insertion action and the socket panel movement. When the pin is inserted, it drives the transmission member to move horizontally, which then drives the socket panel to extend vertically. This intermediary mechanism translates the insertion force into the required panel movement, simplifying the overall control.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket comprises a shell, a socket panel, and a transmission member. The shell has an accommodating chamber and an opening. The socket panel is arranged on the shell, and configured to slide relative to the shell along an axial direction of the opening. The transmission member is located in the accommodating chamber and is connected to the shell along a first direction. The transmission member comprises a first transmission portion, and the socket panel comprises a second transmission portion. The first transmission portion can be coupled to the second transmission portion. In response to an insertion of a pin into an insertion hole, the transmission member is configured to slide relative to the shell along the first direction, to drive the first transmission portion to slide relative to the second transmission portion, and drive the socket panel to slide along the axial direction of the opening.