Socket Grounding Structure Insulating Plate Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional socket devices with grounding structures face challenges in minimizing size and complexity due to the occupation of internal space by insulating shells and the complexity of manufacturing insulating tubes for electrical safety, which can compromise electrical safety if pierced.
Innovation Solution
A socket device with a grounding structure comprising a grounding element, a fixing element, a grounding wire, and an insulating plate, where the grounding wire pierces through the insulating plate, eliminating the need for an insulating tube and increasing the creepage distance for enhanced electrical safety, while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating shell is disposed in the main body to cover the grounding structure, then electrical safety is improved, but the interior space of the main body is occupied, increasing the volume of the socket device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the insulating function from a separate insulating shell and integrates it directly into the grounding structure itself. The grounding wire is provided with an insulating layer that is engaged with the insulating plate, creating an integrated insulating grounding structure that eliminates the need for a separate insulating shell, thereby reducing the occupied space while maintaining electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the insulating function and grounding function into a single integrated structure. The insulating plate and grounding wire with insulating layer are combined to form an insulating grounding structure that performs both insulation and grounding functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate insulating components and reducing overall device volume.
2Reliability
If an insulating tube is sheathed on the conducting piece and wire to prevent contact with electronic components, then electrical safety is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the insulating tube function with the insulating plate into a single integrated insulating structure. The insulating plate is configured to cover the conducting piece and wire, eliminating the need for a separate insulating tube, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the insulating function from the separate insulating tube and integrates it into the insulating plate and grounding wire assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate insulating tube installation steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving the electrical safety function.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grounding wire is piercing through the insulating plate, then the insulating tube can be omitted simplifying manufacturing, but the creepage distance must be increased to maintain electrical safety
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the creepage distance requirement by designing the grounding wire to pierce through the insulating plate at a specific location, creating a three-dimensional path that maintains adequate electrical clearance. The insulating plate is configured with appropriate thickness and the grounding wire piercing creates a controlled pathway that satisfies creepage distance requirements while enabling direct connection without insulating tubes.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a socket device comprising a base, a socket structure and a grounding structure. The base comprises a substrate and a sidewall adjacent thereto, and the substrate comprises a first lateral and a second lateral corresponded to each other. The socket structure is disposed on the sidewall of the base. The grounding structure is disposed on the substrate of the base and comprises a grounding element, a fixing element, a grounding wire, and an insulating plate. The grounding element comprises first and second terminals, wherein the first terminal is protruded from the first lateral of the substrate. The fixing element is substantially disposed on the second lateral of the substrate and connected to the second terminal of the grounding element, so as to fix the grounding element to the substrate.