Rotatable Plug Design for Socket Space Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters with non-rotatable plugs occupy excessive space in power sockets and are cumbersome for international use due to varying socket standards, making it difficult to insert and store them.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable and detachable plug design with a coupling member, positioning ring, and conducting pieces that can be rotated to fit different socket standards, allowing for adjustable orientation and secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plug is made bulky to comply with three-hole socket standards (UK/US regulations), then the plug can be inserted into the power socket, but the volume occupied in the power socket increases, making it difficult to insert other plugs into adjacent sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed to be rotatable relative to the main body of the power converter, allowing it to change its orientation dynamically. This enables the plug to adapt to different socket positions and orientations, optimizing space utilization while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Device complexity
If the plug is unable to be rotated, then the structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to insert the plug into the power socket when the main body is in certain positions
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is designed with rotational freedom relative to the main body, allowing users to easily adjust the plug's orientation to match the power socket's orientation. This dynamic adjustment capability significantly improves ease of insertion without adding complex mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is bulky to comply with international socket standards, then the plug can accommodate various socket types, but the electronic device becomes difficult to store when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable plug design allows the plug to be positioned in different orientations, enabling the same plug to fit into different socket types and locations. This maintains versatility while the compact, space-efficient design reduces storage volume when the device is not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An electronic device includes a plug and a main body. The plug includes a casing and a base. The casing has an opening. An extension part is formed on an inner surface of the casing. The base includes at least two conducting pieces. The main body includes a coupling member. The coupling member has a fixing structure and two pins. After the fixing structure is penetrated through the opening, the fixing structure is rotated to be moved along the extension part to a fixed location, so that plug and the main body are combined together and the two pins are respectively contacted with the conducting pieces.