Protective Contact Socket Grounding Contact Positioning Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective contact sockets face challenges in maintaining the desired position of grounding contacts due to deformation during assembly and limited space, which affects the prescribed distance between grounding contacts, especially in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
The grounding contact is arranged with a crossbar that can be supported on the outer wall of the socket pot or connected components, preventing deformation and ensuring the desired position, with a stop mechanism to prevent undesirable displacement and maintain the prescribed distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the fastening screw through the center of the base of the socket body is tightened, then the cover is securely fastened, but the base and socket body wall deform causing the grounding contact position to change
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding contact is extracted from the base area and repositioned to be supported on the outer wall of the socket body or on another component connected to the base, but away from the bottom of the socket body. This separation removes the grounding contact position dependency from the deforming base area, allowing the fastening screw to secure the cover without affecting grounding contact positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The grounding contact is preliminarily positioned and supported on the outer wall or alternative component before the cover fastening process. The crossbar at the outer end of the grounding contact is预先 configured to be locked by the outer wall, establishing the correct position before any deformation occurs during screw tightening.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are added to the socket, then functionality is improved, but space outside the socket housing becomes limited reducing support for the grounding contact
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding contact support is moved from the horizontal plane (outer casing perimeter) to utilize the vertical dimension by being supported on the outer wall of the socket body or on components connected to the base. This dimensional shift allows electronic components to be accommodated in the previously unavailable horizontal space while maintaining grounding contact support through vertical structural elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grounding contact is supported on the base area, then installation is simple, but the grounding contact position changes when the base deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding contact support function is extracted from the base and relocated to the outer wall or alternative stable components. This separation maintains installation simplicity while eliminating the coupling between base deformation and grounding contact position, thereby improving reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A protective contact socket comprises a base with electrical plug contacts, an earthing bracket with earthing contacts attached to the base, and a cover with a socket pot and at least one slot through which the earthing contact protrudes into the socket pot.