Retractable Travel Adapter with Nested Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Different countries have varying socket specifications, making it difficult for users to power their electrical devices while traveling abroad without a suitable adapter.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with an accommodating element and a driving element that stores electrical connectors, allowing the adapter to transform from a storage state to an operating state by sliding and rotating, exposing the necessary connectors for coupling with external power sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical connectors are stored in the adapter for different country sockets, then the adapter's adaptability is improved, but the adapter's volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing multiple electrical connectors inside a compact accommodating element with multiple second spaces. Each electrical connector is stored in a separate compartment within the adapter body, allowing multiple connectors to be nested within a small volume while maintaining easy access when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the driving element that can move between a first position (storing the driving unit) and a second position (pushing out the electrical connector). This dynamic mechanism allows the adapter to transition from a compact stored state to an operational state where a specific connector is exposed, resolving the contradiction between small volume and multiple connector availability.
2Volume of moving object
If the driving unit is stored in the first space with multiple electrical connectors in second spaces, then the adapter maintains a compact form, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality through the driving element that performs multiple functions: it stores the driving unit in the first space, moves to push out specific electrical connectors from second spaces, and can be positioned to engage with different connectors. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each connector, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining compact volume.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter including an accommodating element, a driving element having a driving unit, and multiple electrical connectors is provided. The accommodating element has a first space and multiple second spaces. The driving element is sleeved to the accommodating element along an actuating axis. The driving unit has a first electrical connecting portion. In a storage state, the driving unit is stored in the first space, and the electrical connectors are stored in the second space. In an operating state, the first electrical connecting portion of the driving unit is coupled to one of these electrical connecters. Then, the driving unit can enter the second space where the electrical connector stays originally, and at least part of the electrical connector is pushed out of the accommodating element. A using method of the adapter is provided.