Socket Central Disc Fixed by Expanding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
SCHUKO sockets face issues with central disc theft due to vandalism and aesthetic concerns related to central screws, necessitating a secure and concealed fastening mechanism that simplifies assembly.
Innovation Solution
A socket with an expanding device featuring a movable expanding element that fixes and releases the central disk by pressing, eliminating the need for screws and ensuring the fastening element is flush with the disk, making it difficult to recognize or remove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central screw is used to secure the central disc, then the assembly is simple and visible for removal, but the disc can be easily stolen and the appearance is aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The screw head is extracted or removed entirely from the design. The fastening mechanism uses a smooth expanding element without any protruding screw heads or slots, making it invisible and inaccessible for removal tools while maintaining secure fastening through expansion within the central disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening element changes its dimensional parameters through expansion. When installed, the element expands radially to engage with the central disc, transforming from a compact insertion state to an expanded secured state, providing both easy installation and secure retention without visible components.
2Ease of manufacture
If a central screw is used to secure the central disc, then the fastening mechanism is visible and easy to remove, but the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The screw head is extracted or removed entirely from the design. The fastening mechanism uses a smooth expanding element without any protruding screw heads or slots, making it invisible and inaccessible for removal tools while maintaining secure fastening through expansion within the central disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional screw-thread mechanical fastening system is replaced with an expansion-based fastening mechanism. The smooth expanding element engages with the central disc through radial expansion rather than threaded engagement, eliminating the need for visible screw heads and slots while maintaining secure attachment.
3Reliability
If an expanding device is used instead of a screw, then the appearance is uniform and security is enhanced, but the assembly mechanism is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding fastening element is nested within the central disc structure. The element is inserted in a compact state and then expands radially to engage with the disc, with the expansion mechanism itself being contained within the fastening element's structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that appears simple externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding element performs self-service by automatically engaging and securing itself within the central disc through its expansion action. The element expands to contact and hold against the disc's internal structure, providing self-securing functionality without requiring additional fastening components or complex assembly procedures.
4Shape
If an expanding element is used instead of a screw, then the fastening element can be flush and concealed, but the mechanism for securing the disc requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The expanding fastening element and the central disc structure are merged into a unified assembly. The expansion mechanism is integrated within the element itself, and the fastening action directly engages with the disc's structure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component system that maintains a flush external surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The expanding fastening element is nested within the central disc structure. The element is inserted in a compact state and then expands radially to engage with the disc, with the expansion mechanism itself being contained within the fastening element's structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that appears simple externally.
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 simplifies assembly and disassembly, enhances security by concealing the fastening mechanism, and maintains a uniform appearance, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized removal.
Implementation Method 1
the expanding mandrel is slidably mounted within the expanding sleeve, whereby the expanding mandrel, through its sliding movement, widens the expanding sleeve to such an extent that the expanding sleeve engages with the receiving sleeve
Implementation Method 2
The expanding pin has a tapered section. The expanding sleeve can engage with this tapered section and/or compress, thus reducing its outer circumference.
Data Source
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AI summary
A socket outlet comprising a central plate (2) with a base (9) that is accessible by touch when installed and a fastening device with which the central plate (2) is fixed to a socket insert designed as a flush-mounted or surface-mounted insert, is characterized with regard to the task of both making the unwanted removal of a central plate more difficult and simplifying its installation, in that the fastening device is designed as a spreading device (4) which includes a spreading element which is movable in order to fix and/or release the central plate (2).