Adjustable Rotary Socket Assembly with Detent Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlets with multiple sockets lack the ability to adjust the rotary sockets to a desired angle of rotation, which limits user convenience and flexibility in accommodating various electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable rotary socket assembly with a housing, rotary contact plates, and a detent mechanism that allows the sockets to rotate within a predetermined range, maintaining electrical contact through a range of motion and being secured at desired angles using a detent system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary sockets are made fixed in position, then electrical contact reliability is improved, but adaptability to different device orientations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The socket assembly is designed with rotational capability, allowing the sockets to dynamically change their orientation angle. The rotary mechanism enables the sockets to rotate within a predetermined range while maintaining electrical contact, thus adapting to different device orientations without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation angle of the sockets is made adjustable through the rotary mechanism. By changing the angular parameter of the socket position, the system can accommodate various device orientations while maintaining stable electrical contact through the designed contact structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If rotary sockets are made adjustable to any angle, then adaptability to different device orientations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The socket assembly incorporates a rotary mechanism that enables adjustable orientation angles. This dynamic feature allows the sockets to be rotated to different positions within a predetermined range, providing adaptability without requiring complex reconfiguration systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket assembly is designed as a separate, modular rotary unit that can be integrated into the electrical outlet. This segmentation allows the rotational functionality to be added as a distinct component, managing complexity through modularity while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If detent mechanism is added to secure rotary sockets at specific angles, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detent mechanism automatically engages with the rotary socket at predetermined angles during rotation, providing self-aligning and self-locking functionality. This self-service feature ensures precise positioning without requiring additional control systems or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent acts as an intermediary element between the rotary mechanism and the housing. It provides the locking function at specific angles by mechanically interacting with the rotary socket, simplifying the overall control structure while achieving precise positioning.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An adjustable rotary socket assembly comprising: a housing having a fixed electrical contact assembly and an upwardly urged detent (147); a socket having a first side, a second side, a rotary contact plate affixed to each side thereof, and an upper casing (81) having at least one plug receiver, the plug receiver having at least one terminal contact; wherein the rotary contact plates are electrically connected to the at least one terminal contact and the fixed electrical contact assembly; wherein the rotary contact plates are rotationally supported by the housing, limit a range of rotation of the rotary socket, and have at least one indent (163, 165); and wherein the detent is received by the at least one indent at an angle of rotation within the range of rotation of the rotary socket.