Socket Cover With Through Holes And Self-Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional socket covers lack flexibility in design and maintenance, as they expose the socket module, making it difficult for users to change the color, material, or pattern without affecting the module, leading to increased costs and limited user customization.

Innovation Solution

A socket cover with a panel and flange design featuring through holes matching socket module holes, allowing alignment and shielding of the module, along with a connecting component such as a sliding lock mechanism or snap-fit elements for secure attachment and easy detachment, enabling replacement of the cover without altering the module.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the socket module is completely exposed from the socket cover, then the installation is simple, but the appearance is ugly and customization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket assembly is divided into two independent parts: the socket module and the socket cover. The cover can be detached and replaced independently, allowing aesthetic customization without affecting the functional module. This segmentation enables the cover to be optimized for appearance while the module handles functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The socket cover is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the socket module. By taking out the cover as an independent element, the design allows users to change the appearance (color, material, pattern) without touching the functional module, thus improving aesthetics and customization while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the socket cover is made replaceable, then the customization flexibility is improved, but the connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization flexibilityVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The socket cover incorporates a self-locking mechanism with elastic elements that automatically lock the cover to the module upon insertion. The elastic elements engage with corresponding structures on the module, providing automatic retention without requiring additional fastening operations. This self-service approach enables easy user replacement while minimizing connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The socket cover is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily swapped out when aesthetic changes are needed. The cover serves its primary appearance function and can be replaced without affecting the durable functional module, allowing users to update the look of the socket assembly by simply replacing the cover portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Shape

If the socket cover shields the socket module, then the appearance is elegant and customization is enabled, but the alignment precision must be high

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The socket cover and module incorporate asymmetric guiding structures and positioning features that ensure correct orientation during assembly. These asymmetric elements guide the cover into proper alignment with the module, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while ensuring elegant appearance when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning structures and guiding elements act as intermediaries between the cover and module, facilitating accurate alignment during assembly. These intermediary features compensate for minor dimensional variations and guide the components into proper registration, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the shielded appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This design allows for easy customization and maintenance of socket covers, reducing costs and enhancing user flexibility by shielding the socket module, allowing for aesthetic changes without affecting the module's functionality.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic element arranged on the inner surface of the panel, the at least one elastic element adapted to be hold the body in a locking position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10840688B2Socket cover, socket assembly and associated manufacturing method

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD

AI summary

Embodiments of present disclosure provide a socket cover, a socket assembly and associated manufacturing method. The socket cover comprises: a panel comprising an outer surface and an inner surface opposite to one another; a flange around the panel and extending inwardly in a direction perpendicular to the panel; and a plurality of through holes formed on the panel and having sizes and shapes matching respective socket holes of a socket module, the plurality of through holes adapted to align with respective socket holes when the socket cover is connected to the socket module.