Non-conducting Polymer Shim Kit for Worn Electrical Sockets

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for electrical sockets, such as child safety plugs and adapters, are limited in their ability to shim multiple sockets without altering electrical characteristics and introducing conductive materials, which can lead to electrical failures and wear on sockets.

Innovation Solution

A kit and method using a pair-socket apparatus with a planar member, shims, and orifices made of non-conducting polymer materials, designed to shim multiple single and paired electrical sockets without altering electrical characteristics, featuring a tap for fastening and a beveled configuration for easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If child safety plugs are inserted into electrical sockets, then safety against electrocution is improved, but electrical connection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety against electrocutionVSAvoidelectrical connection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The safety plug allows dynamic switching between safety mode (plug inserted) and electrical connection mode (plug removed), enabling the system to adapt between safety and functionality based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The safety plug system segments the electrical socket into protected and accessible states, allowing selective application of safety measures to individual sockets rather than requiring universal coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If electrically conductive adapters are used to preserve electrical connection, then electrical coupling is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to additional sources of electrical failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical couplingVSAvoidelectrical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential function of maintaining electrical connection (through shim plates) while removing the harmful element (conductive adapters that introduce failure points), achieving connection preservation without additional failure sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The non-conductive shim plate acts as an intermediary mechanical element that maintains physical connection geometry without introducing electrical conductivity, thereby preserving connection integrity without adding electrical failure risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple individual safety plugs or adapters are used for multiple sockets, then coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesocket coverageVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple individual safety plug functions into a single multi-socket safety device that can simultaneously protect multiple electrical sockets, reducing the number of components from multiple individual plugs to one unified device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety device achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously serving multiple electrical sockets with a single device, allowing one component to perform the safety function across multiple outlets rather than requiring separate components for each

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7589279B2Handy electrical socket shim kit and method

Publication Date: 2009.09.15 CRUZ CARLOS

AI summary

A kit and corresponding methods for mechanically shimming an electrical socket as well as a pair of electrical sockets, involving a generally planar member having a front surface and a rear surface; a pair of shims formed on the rear surface; and a pair of primary orifices formed through the generally planar member for accommodating an electrical plug.