Sparkless Socket Infrared Pin Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sockets generate sparks when pins are inserted or removed, posing safety risks and causing user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A sparkless socket design incorporating a sensing module with infrared light emitters and receivers, a controller, and a switching module that disables power transmission when the pins are not fully inserted, preventing sparks by blocking infrared light and enabling power only when the pins are fully inserted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional socket structure is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but sparks are generated causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The socket performs preliminary detection of pin insertion status using infrared sensing before enabling power transmission. The controller detects whether pins are fully inserted through through-holes using infrared emitters and receivers, and only enables the switching module to transmit power when proper insertion is confirmed, preventing sparks during insertion/removal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical detection methods with optical sensing technology. Infrared emitters and receivers detect pin insertion status through through-holes in the socket, allowing the controller to determine insertion state without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the mechanical arcing that causes sparks
2Reliability
If infrared sensing module is added, then spark prevention is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared sensing module serves multiple functions: it detects pin insertion status, enables the controller to control power transmission timing, and prevents spark generation. The switching module also serves dual purposes by both enabling power transmission and preventing sparks through controlled switching
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the infrared sensing module and the switching module. It receives detection signals from the infrared receivers through the through-holes and controls the switching module accordingly, coordinating the sensing and power transmission functions without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connection between the sensing and switching components
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
Prevents sparks from occurring during insertion and removal, enhancing electrical safety by ensuring power is only supplied when the pins are fully inserted, thus reducing user fear and improving safety.
Implementation Method 1
The emitter is configured to emit infrared light
Implementation Method 2
The first receiver is configured to receive the infrared light via a light guide element module and at least one of the through holes so as to generate a first sensing result accordingly
Data Source
AI summary
A sparkless socket including a socket, a sensing module, a controller, a switching module, a pressing stick and a mechanical switch is provided. The sensing module includes an emitter and a receiver. The receiver receives an infrared light emitted by the emitter through a light guide element module and holes on slots of the socket and generates a sensing result accordingly. The pressing stick is pressed by a plug if the plug is plugged into the socket. The mechanical switch is controlled by the pressing stick to generate a first signal. The switching module is controlled by the controller to transmit an AC power provided by a city power system from the controller to the socket. The controller determines whether the plug is plugged into the socket according to the sensing result and the first signal and thereby enables or disables the switching module.