Power Socket Terminal Layout for Shallow Box Wiring Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power socket mechanisms with bulky female electrical connection terminals lack sufficient space in shallow electrical boxes to accommodate the naturally curved portion of electrical conductors, making it difficult to connect and store the conductors efficiently.
Innovation Solution
The power socket mechanism design adjusts the position of the second plane relative to the first plane of the female terminal to free up space at the rear, allowing for the accommodation of the curved conductor portion and facilitating the connection of the electrical conductor without disturbing its natural curvature, with the option of the second plane being coincident or in front of the first plane to maximize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky female electrical connection terminal is used, then the terminal can provide sufficient structural strength and reliability, but the insulating base becomes bulky and leaves insufficient space in shallow electrical boxes to accommodate the curved portion of the electrical conductor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the second plane of the female terminal relative to the first plane, bringing it closer or even positioning it in front of the first plane. This dimensional rearrangement redistributes the terminal's volume along the insertion direction, reducing the depth occupied by the terminal while maintaining its structural integrity and electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the second plane behind the first plane (conventional design), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the second plane in front of or at the same location as the first plane. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial configuration, freeing up rear space for conductor accommodation while preserving terminal reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the second plane of the female terminal is positioned behind the first plane, then the terminal structure is conventional and easy to manufacture, but space is consumed at the rear of the terminal making it difficult to connect and store electrical conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the conventional terminal structure by changing the position of the second plane along the insertion dimension. This dimensional adjustment creates sufficient rear space for conductor connection and storage operations while maintaining the terminal's manufacturability through standard production techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the terminal structure into distinct functional zones by repositioning the second plane, creating separate spaces for electrical contact functionality and conductor accommodation. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without interfering with the other, improving both manufacturability and ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between the first and second planes of the female terminal is large, then the terminal can accommodate all necessary electrical components, but the overall volume of the terminal increases consuming valuable space in the electrical box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent redistributes terminal components along the insertion direction by repositioning the second plane, compacting the overall terminal volume. This dimensional optimization allows all necessary electrical components to be accommodated within a reduced volume footprint, making the terminal suitable for installation in space-constrained electrical boxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where electrical components are efficiently packed within the terminal structure. By positioning the second plane closer to or in front of the first plane, the terminal creates nested spaces that accommodate conductors and components in a compact configuration, maximizing space utilization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a power outlet mechanism (1000) comprising an insulating base (10) including, at the front, an opening (15) for a power outlet cover plate and, at the rear, a back panel (11), said base housing at least one female terminal (100) comprising, on the side of said opening, an inlet for a pin of an electrical plug, the edge (111) of which is contained in a first plane (P1), and, on the side of said back panel, an access opening for an electrical conductor, the edge (125) of which is at least partially contained in a second plane (P2) parallel to said first plane (P1) and spaced from this first plane by a distance less than or equal to 9 mm, said back panel of the base extending along at least a portion of said female terminal and including a recessed portion (12) leading to said opening, in which An opening for integration is provided,with regard to said access opening of said female terminal, the edge (13) of which is at least partly included in a third plane (P3) parallel to the second plane (P2) and separated from said second plane by the thickness of the bottom wall of the base, this third plane (P3) being located at a distance (D2) of at least 2 millimeters from a fourth plane (P4), parallel to said third plane and containing the part of the bottom wall of the insulating base furthest from the access opening.