Socket Orientation Lighting via Modular Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket designs with orientation lighting are complex and costly to produce, lacking a simple and cost-effective solution for assembly and integration of lighting components.
Innovation Solution
A socket with a central disk and a separate illuminant module featuring a light-emitting diode, energy supply, and a light guide that can be easily assembled using a modular system with minimal structural components, allowing for orientation lighting or operating voltage display without additional lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing socket designs with orientation lighting are used, then lighting function is achieved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is divided into modular components: a central disk with integrated light guide, a device insert with electrical contacts, and a cover frame. The light guide is pre-integrated into the central disk during injection molding, eliminating separate assembly steps and reducing production complexity while maintaining the orientation lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide and central disk are merged into a single integrated component through injection molding. This combining of functions reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while preserving the lighting functionality.
2Illumination intensity
If light guide elements are inserted perpendicular to plug insertion direction, then orientation lighting is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide is pre-positioned and integrated into the central disk during the injection molding process, with the light entry surface already oriented perpendicular to the plug insertion direction. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-assembly orientation adjustments, simplifying the assembly process while ensuring proper lighting orientation.
3Reliability
If multiple structural components are used for lighting integration, then lighting function is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide and central disk are merged into a single integrated component through injection molding, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This merging maintains the reliability of the lighting function while significantly reducing production costs through fewer components and simplified manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The central disk serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical socket structure, integrates the light guide for orientation lighting, and incorporates the light entry surface perpendicular to the plug insertion direction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, lowering production costs while maintaining lighting reliability.
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 enables cost-effective production of sockets with orientation lighting or operating voltage display, reducing the risk of stumbling by illuminating pathways and objects, while maintaining a modular design for versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (13) whose light entry surface (17, 18) is arranged above the light exit opening (30, 32) of the illuminant module (29) and whose light exit surface (19) engages in the lateral light exit opening (7) of the central disc (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The plug socket (1) has a plate (4) with a plug socket pot (12). The front side of the central overlapping has an assigned cover frame (42) around a predetermined dimension with a lateral light outlet. A light conductor with its light inlet surface is arranged over the light outlet (30,32) of the light unit module (29). Light inlet surface (19) of the light conductor is engaged in the lateral light outlet of the plate.