Safety Receptacle with Button-Activated Micro Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric receptacles pose safety risks due to potential electric shock from accidental insertion of metal objects, increased risk in wet conditions, and the possibility of sparks leading to fires or explosions, especially when nano-coatings wear off and different specifications lead to inconvenience and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A water-proof and explosion-free safety receptacle design featuring a base with conductive members, micro switches, and a button switch that requires a plug to activate the circuit, along with insulation, seal rings, and warning lights to ensure safe operation and prevent electrical shocks and fires, even in wet conditions or flammable environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the receptacle uses conductive plates for electrical connection, then electrical power transmission is enabled, but electric shock risk increases when metal objects are accidentally inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by requiring a button press before electrical connection is established. The micro switch is activated in advance by the button, creating a safety condition that must be met before power can flow to the plug, preventing accidental shock from metal objects
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the button switch and micro switch system - that mediates between the conductive plates and the plug. This intermediary controls when electrical connection occurs, adding a safety layer that prevents direct exposure to live conductors
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is exposed in liquid such as water, then accessibility is improved, but electric shock risk and fire hazard increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a waterproof coating film applied to the receptacle components, creating a protective barrier that prevents liquid penetration while maintaining accessibility. This thin film layer allows the receptacle to be used in wet environments without increasing electrical hazard
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-coating components with waterproof material before assembly. This preventive measure ensures that liquid cannot reach conductive elements, eliminating the hazard before it can occur
3Use of energy by moving object
If sparks are generated when plug is inserted, then electrical connection is established, but fire or explosion risk increases in flammable gas environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates sparks by performing the electrical connection action in reverse order - the button is pressed first to activate the micro switch, establishing the electrical path before the plug contacts the conductive plates. This preliminary action prevents arcing and火花 generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful spark generation into a beneficial spark-free connection process by redesigning the insertion sequence. The button-activated micro switch system ensures connections are made without arcing, turning a hazardous phenomenon into a safe operation
4Reliability
If nano coatings are applied to resilient plates for water-proof and insulation features, then protection is improved, but the coatings can be easily peeled off due to friction and impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from nano-coating to solid rubber material for the resilient plate. This parameter change eliminates the adhesion problem while maintaining waterproof and insulation properties, as rubber inherently provides these features without coating layers that can peel
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
The solution effectively prevents electric shocks and fires by ensuring the receptacle remains non-conductive until a plug is inserted, maintains water-proofing, and provides operational status indicators, ensuring safety and reliability across various conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient unit is biased to the underside of the button switch. The button switch is pushed to compress the resilient unit by the plug to activate the micro switches
Data Source
AI summary
A water-proof and explosion-free reception safety receptacle includes a base having a first conductive member and a second conductive member. At least one conductive unit is connected between the first and second conductive members. A cover is mounted to the base. The at least one conductive unit includes a first seat and a second seat. Two micro switches are respectively connected between the first conductive member and the first seat, and between the second conductive member and the second seat. The at least one conductive unit includes a button switch which is biased by a resilient unit and protrudes through a hole in the cover. When plug is inserted through slots of the cover, the button switch is pushed by the plug to activate the micro switches to form a circuit.