Socket Cover With Spring-Loaded Retainer For Universal Plug Grip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical socket designs require matching fastener elements on both plugs and sockets, limiting their universal usability and compatibility with different plug standards.
Innovation Solution
An electrical socket with a hinged cover that features a spring-loaded joint and a retainer mechanism with a slot and holes, allowing it to securely engage any plug regardless of size or standard, ensuring a firm connection while accommodating varying plug lengths and diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If matching fastener elements are used on both plugs and sockets, then the connection is secure, but the device complexity increases and universal usability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening function is extracted from the plug and placed solely in the socket cover. The retainer element in the cover provides the securing action without requiring corresponding fasteners on the plug, simplifying the overall system while maintaining connection security.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer element with slot and holes is designed to accommodate various plug types and sizes universally. The slot allows adjustment for different plug positions, and the holes provide multiple engagement points, enabling one socket design to work with multiple plug standards without requiring plug-specific fasteners.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed cover design is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the adaptability to different plug sizes and lengths is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer element is segmented into a slot and multiple holes, allowing independent adjustment for different plug configurations. This segmentation enables the same cover design to adapt to various plug sizes and lengths while maintaining a simple overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer element provides dynamic adjustment capability through its slot and hole configuration, allowing it to accommodate different plug positions and orientations. This dynamic feature is achieved through a simple structural design that maintains ease of manufacture while enhancing adaptability.
3Device complexity
If the cover extends only over the socket front side, then the structure is simple, but the connection stability under pulling force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cover extends from the front side of the socket to wrap around and cover the lead connection area, adding spatial coverage in another dimension. This extended coverage provides additional anchoring points for the retainer element, enhancing connection stability without significantly complicating the cover structure.
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 enables universal usability of the socket with any available plug, maintaining a secure connection even under pulling forces, and is adaptable to different electrical standards and plug shapes, enhancing compatibility and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The joint may be, for example, spring loaded in order to bring an adequate force to prevent the cover to open unintentionally.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4a~6b
AI summary
The present invention relates to an extension cord comprising a lead (7) having a first end and a second end. The first end comprises a socket (1) having a cover (2) and the second end comprises a plug (8). The cover (2) is attached to the socket (1) by a hinged joint possessing a force which resists opening of the cover (2). The cover (2) comprises a retainer. The present invention also relates to a socket (1) having a cover (2) and a cover (2) of a socket (1).