Shutter Assembly with Tandem Elements for Electrical Wiring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shutter mechanisms in electrical wiring devices are ineffective in preventing foreign objects from causing electrical shocks, as they often fail to differentiate between plugs and foreign objects, are complex and prone to jamming, and require intricate installation, leading to safety hazards and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A shutter assembly with a guidance structure and tandem shutter elements that rotate and translate in two dimensions to securely engage plug blades, allowing the shutter to freely float and accommodate uneven or bent plug blades, preventing jamming and ensuring easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional shutter mechanisms are used to prevent foreign objects from accessing electrical contacts, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases and the shutters are prone to jamming and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is divided into two separate shutter elements (first shutter element and second shutter element) that operate independently within a unified guidance structure. Each shutter element can move freely along the guidance structure without interfering with the other, eliminating the jamming problem while maintaining safety through coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second shutter elements are nested within the same guidance structure, with each shutter element having its own movement path defined by the guidance structure. This nested arrangement allows both shutters to operate independently while being contained within a compact unified structure, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional shutter mechanisms are used to differentiate between plugs and foreign objects, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent jamming and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter elements are designed to move dynamically along the guidance structure rather than being constrained to fixed linear paths. This dynamic movement allows the shutters to accommodate uneven or bent plug blades smoothly, preventing jamming while maintaining the ability to differentiate between plugs and foreign objects through proper movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance structure allows the shutter elements to change their movement parameters (position, orientation) along their respective paths. This flexibility enables the shutters to adapt to variations in plug blade geometry while maintaining safe operation by preventing foreign objects from bypassing the shutters.
3Reliability
If conventional shutter mechanisms are used with intricate installation requirements, then safety is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second shutter elements along with their guidance structures are combined into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit during operation. This merging of components simplifies the manufacturing process and installation, as the entire shutter mechanism can be installed as a single unit rather than requiring separate installation of multiple complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance structure serves multiple functions: it defines the movement path for both shutter elements, provides structural support, and enables the shutters to differentiate between plugs and foreign objects. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying both manufacture and installation while maintaining safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical device includes a shutter support structure having a return position, at least one blocking position and an open position. A first shutter element is configured to rotate about a first dimensional axis within a predetermined angular range while being translated in two-dimensions between the return position to the open position, each of the two dimensions being orthogonal to the first dimensional axis. A second shutter assembly includes a second shutter element coupled to the first shutter element, the first shutter element allowing the second shutter portion to move in a first direction parallel to the first dimensional axis when the first shutter element is in the open position, the first shutter element being configured to drive the second shutter element in a second direction parallel to the first dimensional axis when the first shutter element is being translated into the return position.