Rotary Vehicle AC Outlet for Multi-Standard Plug Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive manufacturers face significant costs and efforts in designing and producing multiple versions of vehicle trim panels with integrated AC power outlets, each configured for specific standardized plug layouts and cover hinge orientations to meet regional requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular AC power outlet design featuring a bezel housing with a fixed faceplate and a pivotable faceplate, allowing the outlet to accommodate multiple standardized plug layouts without changing the main orientation, and a cover assembly with adjustable hinge orientations to fit various trim panel designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power outlet is configured for a particular type of standard plug layout to meet regional requirements, then the outlet meets local regulatory and usage needs, but the costs of design, development, and testing must be incurred for each distinct design
Solution Approach 1:
The faceplate is made rotatable relative to the bezel housing, allowing the outlet to dynamically change its plug layout orientation. This dynamic adjustment enables a single physical outlet to accommodate multiple standardized plug layouts (e.g., Type B, Type G, Type C) by rotating the faceplate to the appropriate angular position, eliminating the need for multiple distinct outlet designs for different regions
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet is designed with universal adaptability through the rotatable faceplate mechanism, allowing one outlet design to serve multiple functions across different regional standards. The single outlet can be configured to accept various plug types by adjusting the faceplate orientation, making it a multi-functional component that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized outlets
2Ease of operation
If the cover hinge is placed at a particular position to accommodate styling needs and avoid interference, then the cover operates normally without interference, but the hinge placement may differ between versions requiring more different outlet designs
Solution Approach 1:
The cover hinge position is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the hinge to be dynamically repositioned to different locations on the bezel housing. This enables the cover to operate normally in various configurations without interference, while maintaining compatibility with a single outlet design across different styling requirements and vehicle versions
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple versions of vehicle trim panels with different power outlet configurations are produced, then regional requirements are met, but significant costs and efforts are incurred in designing and producing each version
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable faceplate mechanism allows a single manufactured outlet unit to be dynamically configured for different regional plug layouts after production. This eliminates the need to manufacture separate outlet assemblies for each region, significantly reducing production costs and simplifying the supply chain while maintaining adaptability to meet local requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple regional markets through the rotatable faceplate feature. Instead of producing multiple specialized outlet versions, manufacturers can produce a single universal outlet design that adapts to different regions through simple faceplate rotation, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost
Data Source
AI summary
An AC power outlet for an automotive center console comprises a bezel housing containing an array of terminals forming sockets for receiving power plugs according to a plurality of standardized plug layouts. Fixed and pivotable faceplates have respective openings according to first and second patterns for passage of respective prongs of the power plugs into the sockets. The pivotable faceplate is moved to (A) a first rotational position to reveal a first subset of openings on the fixed faceplate corresponding to a first standardized plug layout while blocking other openings, and (B) to a second rotational position reveal a second subset of the openings on the fixed faceplate corresponding to a second standardized plug layout while blocking other ones of the openings. A cover assembly has a cap and a mounting ring to install on the housing at any one of a plurality of angular positions.