Electrical Socket Locking Mechanism Using Peripheral Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlet devices with locking and unlocking mechanisms are not adaptable to all types of electrical plugs, require significant modifications, and pose safety risks due to mechanical stress on earth pins and wear issues from friction-based locking.
Innovation Solution
A compact, universal electrical outlet device with a locking and unlocking mechanism featuring a flexible part and pusher system that can adapt to all types of plugs, using a support and pusher mechanism to securely lock and unlock the peripheral flange of the plug with a single action, reducing component count and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking mechanism clamps the pin of the electrical plug by the flexible part, then the plug can be locked in position, but the mechanism must be adapted to the conductive pin size and special insulation measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the conductive pin and transfers it to the peripheral flange. The flexible part with blocking member locks the peripheral flange in the groove instead of clamping the pin, eliminating the need to adapt to different pin sizes and removing insulation requirements for the locking mechanism.
2Reliability
If the flexible part is in contact with the active pin, then locking is achieved, but special measures for insulation and resistance to heating must be taken
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful contact between the flexible part and active pin is eliminated by extracting the locking function from the pin area and relocating it to the peripheral flange. The blocking member now engages with the non-conductive peripheral flange instead of the conductive pin, removing insulation and heating risks.
3Reliability
If the locking mechanism uses friction-based locking on the pin, then the plug can be retained, but the mechanism must be adapted to specific plug types and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the complex friction-based pin mechanism and simplifies it by locking the peripheral flange in the groove. This universal approach works with all plug types without requiring customization, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
4Reliability
If the flexible part is in contact with the earth pin, then locking is achieved, but the earth pin is mechanically stressed which introduces safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mechanical locking function from the earth pin and relocates it to the peripheral flange. The blocking member engages with the peripheral flange in the groove, completely eliminating mechanical stress on the earth pin and associated safety risks.
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 simple, reliable, and compact mechanism that securely locks and unlocks all types of electrical plugs, reducing manufacturing complexity and safety risks while ensuring easy operation and durability.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible part mounted on the support, said flexible part comprising an end part extending through the opening, the end part being provided, at its free end, with a member for blocking the electrical plug, the blocking member extending in the groove and being capable of retracting and retaining the peripheral flange of the electrical plug by buttressing
Implementation Method 2
a pusher mounted on the support and extending through the orifice, the pusher comprising an actuating member arranged in the interior housing facing the end part of the flexible part, the pusher being mounted so as to be able to move in translation relative to the support along an axis between a first position of rest and a second position of support on the pusher, in which the actuating member exerts a support on the end part of the flexible part
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6~9
Figure 10~13b
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical socket device (1) comprising: a receptacle (2) provided with at least one electrical socket intended to receive a connection portion of an electrical plug (4), the receptacle (2) defining at least one inner cavity and having on one of the surfaces thereof at least one opening leading into the inner cavity and at least one groove extending circumferentially with regards to the electrical socket, which comprises an opening (27) leading into the inner cavity and is intended to receive a peripheral flange (5) of the electrical plug; - at least one mechanism (28) for locking and unlocking the electrical plug (4) in position, comprising: o a mount; o a flexible part comprising an end portion extending through the opening (27); o a push member extending through the opening, which comprises an actuation member arranged in the inner cavity opposite the end portion and which is movably mounted in longitudinal translation between a first position of rest, and a second of position of abutment on the push member.