Socket-Outlet Terminal Unit with Multi-Directional Conductor Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket-outlet designs face challenges in easy installation, particularly due to varying conductor connection directions, leading to the need for separate terminal units for concealed and surface-mount installations, which results in a bulky internal component that is difficult to fit in instrument boxes and prone to damage or misconnection.
Innovation Solution
A socket-outlet design featuring a housing component with a body of insulating material, metallic terminal units, and an upper earth terminal unit, where conductors can be connected from multiple angles, including vertically and horizontally, allowing for a single terminal unit to be used in both concealed and surface-mount installations, with a compact internal component and built-in rupture weaknesses for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate terminal units are used for concealed and surface-mount installations, then each installation type can have optimized conductor connection, but the internal component size increases and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single terminal unit that can accommodate both concealed and surface-mount installations. The terminal unit features a universal connector design with conductor openings positioned to accept wires from multiple directions (front, sides, and below), eliminating the need for separate terminal unit variants for different installation types.
2Volume of moving object
If conductors are brought directly from the side to reduce internal component size, then the socket-outlet fits better in instrument boxes, but conductor connection becomes difficult in blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by positioning conductor openings not only on the front and sides but also below the terminal unit. This multi-directional opening arrangement allows conductors to be brought in from any direction (front, sides, or below), eliminating blind spots and making connection easy regardless of installation location or conductor routing.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact internal component is used to fit in instrument boxes, then installation space is reduced, but the terminal units become more vulnerable to damage during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating rupture weaknesses (deliberate weak points) in the terminal unit structure. These weaknesses are designed to break under excessive force during installation, preventing catastrophic failure of the entire terminal unit. The rupture weaknesses act as safety features that protect the overall integrity of the compact internal component while allowing controlled failure modes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If socket-outlets are designed for concealed installation with standard size regulations, then they meet building codes, but surface-mount installations require additional space and have different installation methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the terminal unit and housing as a unified assembly that works for both concealed and surface-mount installations. The housing provides structural support and mounting brackets for both installation types, while the terminal unit's multi-directional conductor openings accommodate wiring from any direction, allowing the same device to be installed in either configuration without requiring separate designs.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a socket-outlet. A body (3) of insulating material is formed with mounting brackets (2) for fixing the body (3) to a supporting structure. Metallic terminal units (4) include first connectors (4.1) fitting for contact with the prongs of electric plugs and second connectors (4.2) intended for contact with electric wires. A housing component (1) constitutes a cover or enclosure which conceals an internal component (5) of the socket-outlet. The socket-outlet's internal component (5) comprises at least the body (3) and the terminal units (4). The first connectors (4.1) are shaped as two-way funnels for receiving the prongs of electric plugs from two opposite directions, whereby the relevant terminal unit (4) can be used both in surface-mount and concealed socket-outlets. In addition, the socket-outlet comprises an upper earth terminal unit (9) and a lower earth terminal unit (10) present at an end wall of the body (3). The mounting brackets (2) are provided with rupture weaknesses (2.2), which are positioned in such a way that, as the mounting brackets rupture, the live components remain protected.