Rotatable AC/DC Plug Blades for Error Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equipment that operates with both AC and DC power supply faces the risk of short circuits due to erroneous insertion of DC power supply plugs into AC power supply sockets, as the existing plugs lack distinct differentiation, leading to user errors in setting the correct power type before insertion.
Innovation Solution
A common plug for AC/DC with rotatable blades that can be set into distinct states for AC or DC insertion, featuring a rotary switch to notify the equipment of the power type, preventing incorrect insertion and ensuring safety by matching the plug's shape with the corresponding socket type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a DC power supply plug is configured to have a structure similar to that of the AC power supply plug, then the equipment can support both AC and DC power supplies, but erroneous insertion into the wrong socket may occur causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the blades of the plug differently depending on the power type. For AC power supply, the blades are arranged in a first configuration, and for DC power supply, the blades are arranged in a second configuration that is asymmetric relative to the first. This asymmetric design ensures that the plug can only be inserted into the corresponding socket type, preventing erroneous insertion while maintaining compatibility with both AC and DC power sources.
2Reliability
If a rotary mechanism is added to the plug to change blade states, then correct power type selection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by incorporating a rotary element that allows the blades to rotate between a first state and a second state. This dynamic mechanism enables the plug to switch between AC and DC configurations by rotating the blades to the appropriate orientation. The rotary element provides a simple yet effective way to change blade states without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple separate plugs.
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a common plug for AC/DC which can easily prevent erroneous insertion into a plug receptacle. [Solution] Provided is a common plug for AC/DC including at least one pair of connection terminals. At least one connection terminal of the at least one pair of connection terminals is able to rotate around an axis of an insertion direction into a socket so as to have a first state in a case where the connection terminal is inserted into a socket for supplying AC power and a second state in a case where the connection terminal is inserted into a socket for supplying DC power, the second state being different from the first state.