Socket Insert Symmetrical Fastening Reduces Cover Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing socket inserts face issues with asymmetrical forces during assembly and connector plug insertion, which can lead to damage, and have limited space for grounding conductors due to asymmetrical fastening and actuating elements.

Innovation Solution

The fastening devices are centered between two sockets, and a single actuating element releases all grounding terminals, allowing for symmetrical forces and increased space for grounding conductors, with additional receptacles for a support frame to enhance grounding and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fastening devices are arranged asymmetrically and eccentrically on the slots, then the cover can be fastened to the base element, but asymmetrical forces act on the cover resulting in damage during connection or connector plug insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastening device arrangementVSAvoidcover damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately creates symmetrical arrangement of fastening devices. The fastening devices are positioned symmetrically with respect to the slot axis, ensuring that forces are distributed evenly and symmetrically during assembly and operation, thereby preventing cover damage while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of manufacture

If asymmetrical fastening devices are used, then the cover can be attached to the base element, but the assembly process becomes complicated due to asymmetrical forces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover attachmentVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs symmetrical arrangement of fastening devices relative to the slot axis, which simplifies the assembly process by eliminating asymmetrical forces. This symmetrical configuration makes the assembly process more straightforward and less complex, while still achieving secure cover attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If grounding terminals are arranged with individual actuating elements, then each grounding terminal can be released independently, but the space required for grounding conductors is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrounding terminal releaseVSAvoidinstallation space for grounding conductor

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple grounding terminals into a single group that is actuated by one common actuating element. This merging approach reduces the total space required for individual actuating elements while still allowing functional release of grounding terminals, thereby increasing the installation space available for grounding conductors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2920852B1Socket insert

Publication Date: 2019.11.20 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC IND SAS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a socket insert for an electric socket, having a socket element (12) that is designed for inserting into an opening in a building wall and is provided with at least two plug areas (18), each of which comprises a pair of plug sockets (16) for receiving the contact pins of an electric connector. The socket insert additionally has a cover (14) which can be removably secured on the socket element, said socket element (12) and cover (14) having paired securing devices (22, 24) in the region of at least one plug area (18). The socket insert is improved and the risk of damaging the cover (14) is reduced in that the securing devices (22, 24) are arranged between the two plug sockets (16) in plan view of the plug area (18).