Sliding Socket Cover for Secure Power Cord Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical sockets and plugs are prone to unintentional disconnection and damage due to pulling forces, leading to potential fires and the need for socket replacement.
Innovation Solution
A power distribution unit with sliding covers that engage with power cord plugs, utilizing a spring mechanism to secure the connection between the socket and plug, preventing disconnection and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional socket and plug structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the connection reliability is poor due to unintentional disconnection under pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The socket structure is divided into separate functional components: a base housing, a movable sliding cover, and a spring mechanism. The sliding cover can independently move between locked and unlocked positions, allowing the connection securing function to be separated from the main socket body while improving reliability without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between a locked position (securing the plug) and an unlocked position (allowing removal). The spring mechanism provides dynamic force to maintain the cover in the locked position, enabling the connection to adapt to insertion and removal operations while resisting pulling forces
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple socket structure without additional securing mechanisms is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the socket may be damaged or burnt due to pulling forces
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to exert a continuous biasing force on the sliding cover, maintaining it in the locked position before any pulling force is applied. This preemptive securing mechanism prevents the plug from being pulled out and protects the socket from damage or burning, addressing the harmful factor before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding cover acts as an intermediary element between the plug and the socket housing. It provides a mechanical interface that secures the plug through engagement features while isolating the main socket structure from direct pulling forces, thereby protecting the socket from damage
3Reliability
If a sliding cover with spring mechanism is added to secure the connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to automatically return the sliding cover to the locked position after the plug is inserted. The cover self-secures the connection without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving reliable connection securing while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connection securing function is extracted as a separate movable sliding cover component rather than being integrated into the fixed socket housing. This allows the securing mechanism to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by separating the securing function from the structural housing
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 provides a secure and reliable connection between the socket and plug, reducing the risk of unintentional disconnection and damage, thereby enhancing safety and extending the product life.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism connecting between the sliding cover and the outer casing of the socket for holding the sliding cover in an initial position
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A power distribution unit includes a housing; a plurality of power outlet modules accommodated in the housing, at least one of the power outlet modules including a socket having at least three electrical terminals which are configured to connect with one power cord plug of various types of power cord plugs, including a C14 plug and a C20 plug, and a sliding cover having a central opening, the sliding cover being slidable on an outer casing of the socket and engageable with the power cord plug when the power cord plug is completely inserted into the socket, thereby providing a secure connection between the socket and the power cord plug; and at least one power input module providing power to the power outlet modules.