Rotating Power Plug Structure for Space-Constrained Sockets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies with fixed plugs occupy excessive space in utility power panels and extension cords, leading to inefficiency and inconvenience due to their rigid design, which does not adapt to different socket specifications and limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A power supply structure featuring a main body with a circular containing space and a plug with elastic devices, allowing the plug to adjust its direction by using protrusions and annular grooves, enabling it to fit different socket specifications and rotate for optimal space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a power supply with a fixed plug design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the plug occupies excessive space in utility power panels and extension cords, leading to wasted sockets and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is divided into a fixed portion (plug body) and a rotatable portion (plug head with pins), allowing the plug head to be rotated independently to different orientations while the plug body remains fixed. This segmentation enables the plug to adapt to different socket positions without requiring a larger overall plug volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug head is designed to be rotatable relative to the plug body through a rotating mechanism driven by elastic elements. This dynamic capability allows the plug to change its orientation from fixed to multiple rotational positions, enabling adaptation to different socket configurations while maintaining a compact size.
2Ease of manufacture
If a power supply with a fixed plug is used, then the manufacturing cost is low, but the plug cannot adapt to different socket specifications in different countries
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mechanism allows the plug head to be dynamically adjusted to different orientations, enabling the same plug to fit various socket specifications (e.g., Type A, Type B, Type C) by simply rotating the plug head to the appropriate angle, eliminating the need for multiple different plugs for different countries.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug's effective configuration is changed by rotating the plug head to different angular positions, which changes the spatial arrangement of the pins relative to the socket. This parameter change (rotation angle) allows one plug to adapt to multiple socket specifications without changing the physical structure or material composition.
3Power
If a large power supply with a fixed plug is used, then high power is delivered, but the plug occupies too much space in extension cords with limited socket distances
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the plug into fixed and rotatable portions, the design allows the plug head to be positioned optimally in limited spaces. The rotation capability enables the plug to fit into tight spaces between sockets in extension cords while maintaining the same power delivery capability, as the rotational adjustment does not affect the electrical connection quality.
4Reliability
If a fixed plug design is used, then the structure is stable and reliable, but the plug cannot be adjusted to fit different socket positions
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating mechanism incorporates elastic elements (springs) that provide both the rotating force and the resetting function. The elastic force ensures reliable engagement with the socket at any rotational position, while the automatic resetting capability maintains connection reliability. The dynamic rotation is designed with positioning features that ensure stable connection once rotated to the correct orientation.
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 flexible plug orientation to fit various socket configurations, optimizing space usage and allowing for efficient power supply in limited spaces, thereby enhancing user convenience and application flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
the first cylinder includes at least one elastic device installed therein. The elastic device has a resilient arm and a pressing member
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply structure includes a main body and a plug. The main body has a circular containing space, a cylinder and a plurality of conducting plates. The cylinder has a retaining plane and at least one annular groove. The plug has a plug seat and a first cylinder. The first cylinder has a protrusion and at least one elastic device on an inner side of the bottom of the first cylinder. The elastic device has a resilient arm and a pressing member. The annular groove has a stop block and a fixing space. The protrusion is provided and placed into the annular groove, so that the plug can be fixed into the main body.