Rotatable Foldable Electrical Plug Connector Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical plug connectors are limited in their adaptability to different international power outlet standards and lack flexibility for use in various slot configurations, making them unsuitable for frequent travel and requiring additional converters for compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electrical plug connector design featuring a rotary assembly and linkage mechanism that allows the ground prong assembly to rotate independently of the live and neutral prong assembly, enabling the connector to be inserted into two-slot outlets by folding the ground prong within the connector body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the ground prong assembly is firmly attached to the base of the plug connector, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability to different outlet configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ground prong assembly is designed to be rotatable relative to the base through a rotation assembly, allowing it to dynamically change its position between extended and retracted states. This dynamic configuration enables the plug connector to adapt to different outlet types while maintaining structural stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connector is divided into independent functional assemblies: the ground prong assembly, the live and neutral prong assembly, and the rotation assembly. This segmentation allows the ground prong to be independently controlled and positioned, enabling adaptability to different outlet configurations without compromising the overall structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ground prong assembly can rotate independently, then the adaptability to different outlet configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation assembly integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: it provides rotational movement for the ground prong assembly, includes a linkage portion to control engagement/disengagement, and incorporates a spring for automatic positioning. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the desired adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism automatically positions the ground prong assembly into the engaged or disengaged state based on the rotation position, eliminating the need for complex control systems or manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain the appropriate configuration.
3Volume of moving object
If the ground prong assembly is folded into the connector body, then the portability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded rotation mechanism automatically extends or retracts the ground prong assembly based on the rotation position, eliminating the need for manual folding or extending operations. Users simply rotate the assembly to the desired position, and the spring mechanism handles the extension/retraction automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground prong assembly transitions dynamically between extended and retracted states through rotation, allowing it to be compact for portability when not in use and easily deployable when needed. The dynamic transition simplifies operation compared to manual folding mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical plug connector includes a rotary assembly, an electrical plug assembly having a live prong assembly, a neutral prong assembly, and a ground prong assembly and capable of rotating with respect to a first predetermined axis, and a linkage portion between the rotary assembly and the electrical plug assembly for linking the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong assembly. The linkage portion is configured to enable the live prong assembly, the neutral prong assembly, and the ground prong to rotate with respect to a first predetermined axis simultaneously. When not so linked the three prongs may be folded into receiving spaces on the plug connector.