Safety Socket Locking Mechanism Waterproof Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical sockets lack effective waterproofing and safety measures, leading to risks of electric shock accidents, especially in wet environments, as they do not prevent conductive objects from connecting to the power supply and allow water ingress, making them unsafe for use in kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor settings.
Innovation Solution
A safety socket with a locking and controlling mechanism that only connects the power supply when all pins of a standard appliance plug are inserted, featuring a self-locking mechanism to prevent conductive objects from activating the circuit and a waterproof design with a drainage system to discharge any water or conductive liquid, ensuring the socket remains safe in wet conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sockets are used without protective measures, then the socket is easy to operate and accessible, but water can easily enter the socket jacks causing electric shock accidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a waterproof cover that seals the socket jacks before water can enter. The cover is positioned to prevent water ingress in advance, and the circuit is designed to detect water presence before it can cause a short circuit, thereby preventing electric shock accidents proactively
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including a waterproof cover that acts as a physical barrier between water and the socket jacks, and a detection circuit that serves as an intermediary monitoring system between the electrical components and potential water contamination, enabling early warning and prevention
2Reliability
If waterproof covers are provided for socket jacks, then water entry is prevented, but the socket becomes inconvenient to use and users may forget to close or accidentally open the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through an automatic cover opening mechanism that detects when a plug is being inserted and automatically opens the waterproof cover, eliminating the need for users to manually open or remember to close the cover. The system serves itself by automatically managing the protective cover based on detected user actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors detect plug insertion movements and automatically trigger the cover opening mechanism, and where the system continuously monitors the socket state to maintain appropriate protection levels, creating a responsive closed-loop control system
3Adaptability or versatility
If the socket allows any conductive object insertion, then the socket is versatile and easy to use, but unauthorized objects can activate the circuit causing electric shock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different functional zones within the socket: the detection circuit monitors specific areas for unauthorized objects, while the circuit connection is designed to only activate when proper plugs are inserted into specific receptacles, creating localized safety controls that maintain overall versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the circuit to remain disconnected by default and only connect when proper plugs are inserted, and by providing warnings before activation occurs. The system preemptively prevents unauthorized activation rather than relying on post-detection measures
4Ease of operation
If the socket circuit is always connected for immediate use, then the socket is convenient to operate, but the socket cannot prevent electric shock when water enters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing water detection before circuit activation. The detection circuit monitors for water presence in advance, and only allows power connection after confirming the environment is safe, preventing electric shock while maintaining convenience through automatic monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the circuit connection state changeable based on detected conditions. The socket transitions from a disconnected safe state to a connected operational state only when proper plugs are detected and no water is present, creating a dynamic safety system that adapts to environmental conditions
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A safety socket includes one or multiple socket bodies. A socket body has a live wire receptacle and a neutral wire receptacle, and includes a live wire connection circuit, a neutral wire connection circuit, and a locking and controlling mechanism. When the live wire pin and the neutral wire pin of a power plug are respectively inserted into the live wire receptacle and the neutral wire receptacle of the socket body, the locking and controlling mechanism is activated and is switched to the operating state so as to connect the live wire connection circuit and the neutral wire connection circuit. When the locking and controlling mechanism is in the idle state, the live wire connection circuit and the neutral wire connection circuit are disconnected. The safety socket can effectively prevent electric shock and is water-proof, thereby preventing electric shock accidents and ensuring the safe usage of the safety socket.