Rotating Plug Mechanism With Elastic Detent For Pin Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plugs with rotatable pins face inconvenience due to inability to hold pins in different orientations, increasing the risk of accidental contact and hindering usability.
Innovation Solution
A plug design incorporating a rotating mechanism with a hollow rotating member and a holding member, where the pins are secured to the rotating member and can be rotated to project from or be received in a notch on the housing, allowing for stable orientation through elastic deformation of the holding member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins are made rotatable to prevent accidental contact, then safety is improved, but the ability to hold pins in different orientations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pin assembly is designed to be rotatable relative to the insulator body, allowing dynamic repositioning. The rotation mechanism includes a pin assembly that can rotate 360 degrees within the insulator, enabling users to adjust pin orientation according to different usage scenarios while maintaining the safety benefit of retraction capability
Solution Approach 2:
The plug is divided into separable components: the insulator body and the pin assembly. The pin assembly can be independently rotated and repositioned within the insulator cavity, allowing flexible orientation adjustment while maintaining electrical isolation and safety
2Reliability
If pins are retracted into the insulator to prevent accidental contact, then safety is improved, but usability is reduced due to inability to maintain different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The pin assembly incorporates a rotation mechanism that allows it to dynamically change orientation while retracted within the insulator. Users can rotate the pin assembly to any angular position and it will remain stable, providing both safety through retraction and adaptability through orientation flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The pin assembly automatically maintains its rotated position through friction and geometric constraints within the insulator cavity, eliminating the need for additional locking mechanisms. The system self-regulates to maintain the desired orientation once rotated by the user
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the pins to be securely held in various orientations, enhancing user convenience and safety by preventing accidental contact and facilitating easy rotation.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for stable orientation through elastic deformation of the holding member
Data Source
AI summary
A plug includes a housing, a rotating mechanism, and a pair of pins. The rotating mechanism has a holding member, and a rotating member. The holding member is secured in the housing, and has an elastic arcuate portion having a plurality of recesses. The rotating member is rotatable relative to the holding member, and has a projection mating with each of the recesses of the arcuate portion of the holding member. The pair of pins are secured to the rotating member. The projection of the rotating member is movable along the arcuate portion of the holding member and presses the arcuate portion such that the arcuate portion is elastically deformed until the projection engages one of the recesses of the arcuate portion. When the projection engages one of the recesses, the rotating member and the pair of pins are held in a specific orientation.