Socket Flap Locking Mechanism for Reliable Auto-Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket assemblies with flaps for covering charging terminals are unreliable in maintaining the flap in the closed position after charging, as they rely on user intervention or fail to function consistently due to unintentional user actions.
Innovation Solution
A socket assembly with a rotatable flap biased into the closed position by a spring, featuring a locking mechanism that locks the flap in the open position until a plug is inserted, and a release mechanism that automatically locks the flap in the closed position after plug removal, using an activation pin and spring mechanisms to ensure consistent closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to reliably keep the flap in the closed position, then the reliability of maintaining closed position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking and release mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flap system performs self-service by automatically closing and locking after plug removal without requiring user intervention. The spring mechanism automatically returns the flap to closed position and the locking mechanism automatically engages, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for manual operation after charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the flap reaches the closed position, performing the locking action preliminarily before any potential unintended opening can occur. This preliminary engagement ensures the flap remains securely closed without requiring subsequent user action.
2Ease of operation
If the flap is locked in the open position during charging, then the ease of operation for plug insertion is improved, but the reliability of automatic closure after charging deteriorates due to potential unintentional user actions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between locked open and locked closed states based on operational conditions. The locking mechanism is designed to disengage automatically when the plug is inserted, allowing the flap to move to closed position, and then re-engage automatically when the plug is removed, adapting its state to the charging cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the spring mechanism that detects when the flap has reached the closed position and triggers the locking mechanism to engage. This feedback loop ensures reliable automatic closure and locking without requiring user intervention, preventing unintended opening after charging.
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
Ensures the flap automatically returns to the closed position after plug removal, preventing unintentional opening and enhancing user convenience and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a return spring (402) that is arranged to move the activation pin from the release position into the activation position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A socket assembly may include a socket for receiving a plug, a flap for covering the socket, wherein said flap is rotatable about a shaft between a closed position and an open position and is biased into the closed position, a locking mechanism that locks the flap in the open position, and a release mechanism that releases the locking mechanism, when a plug is inserted in the socket. After a release of the locking mechanism, the locking mechanism can be activated only after the flap has been rotated from the open position to the closed position to an extent of at least 30%.