Movable Shutter Socket With Simultaneous Pin Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical outlets with retractable shutters lack enhanced safety features to prevent accidental insertion of objects and ensure maximum distance from electrical contacts, especially when a simple push is applied to the protective flap.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an additional electrical connection plug causes the shutter to move, allowing access to internal electrical contacts while preventing dirt entry and ensuring the shutter remains locked in its closed position, using elastic return means to maintain the flap in its high rest position and incorporating a mechanism that requires simultaneous intervention in two pin passage holes to open the shutter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a retractable shutter is used to prevent access to contact sockets, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter is designed to be mobile rather than fixed, allowing it to move between a rest position that obscures passage openings and a service position that releases them. This dynamic mechanism enables the shutter to adapt its state based on operational needs, providing safety when not in use while allowing access during plug insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter is positioned in advance to obscure the passage openings before any foreign object could be inserted. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental insertion of objects into energized contact sockets, addressing the safety concern before it can arise.
2Reliability
If elastic return means are used to maintain shutter position, then reliability is improved, but the force required to operate the plug increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic return means provide just enough force to maintain the shutter in its rest position and ensure it returns after plug removal, rather than using excessive force that would make plug insertion difficult. The spring is calibrated to provide minimal necessary resistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable protective flap is added to prevent dirt deposit, then protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective flap is integrated with the shutter mechanism, combining the functions of safety protection and dirt prevention into a single unified component. This merger allows the same moving element to serve dual purposes: blocking passage openings for safety and preventing dirt entry into the well.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a safety device to prevent access to energized contacts, a protective barrier to prevent dirt deposit in the well, and a mechanical linkage that responds to plug insertion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
4Reliability
If the shutter is designed to require simultaneous intervention in two passage openings, then safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism is designed with safeguard means that prevent opening unless simultaneous force is applied to both passage openings. This preliminary anti-action counteracts accidental or single-handed attempts to force the shutter open, requiring the deliberate coordinated action of inserting a proper plug.
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
This design effectively prevents accidental object insertion, maintains maximum distance from electrical contacts, and ensures reliable engagement and disengagement of pins with female-type contacts, enhancing safety and preventing dirt entry.
Implementation Method 1
elastic return means permanently urging the flap towards its high rest position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The socket has electrical contacts for an electrical patch having complementary electrical pins, and a flap protecting drains and including holes mounted movable in translation in the drains and providing a passage for the pins. A locking mechanism prevents the translation of the flap towards the bottom of the drains and is de-activated under the effect of the introduction of the patch in the drains via the holes. A base (160) has female electrical contacts to receive the pins. A filler plate (110) ensures a displacement of the mechanism from a locking position towards a deactivated position.