Spring-Biased Plug Prongs for Secure Outlet Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical plugs, especially those with adapters, frequently disengage from sockets due to reduced friction fit over time, leading to lost electrical communication and instability, particularly with heavier plugs that do not bend easily and have short adapter cords.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring laterally biased prongs with a spring-based biasing element and a locking mechanism to ensure a snug fit into the socket, maintaining parallel orientation and preventing unintentional disengagement by applying lateral pressure and providing a secure locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the plug is made heavier with adapters and converters, then more electrical power adaptation capability is provided, but the plug easily disengages from the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a spring mechanism that provides dynamic lateral pressure to the prongs, enabling them to actively engage with the socket contacts. This dynamic force compensation counteracts the disengagement tendency of heavier plugs with adapters, maintaining reliable electrical connection despite increased weight and complexity.
2Strength
If the prongs are made of less malleable alloys and mounted in hard plastic, then structural strength is improved, but the ability to increase friction fit by bending is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism automatically applies lateral pressure to the prongs without requiring manual bending or adjustment by the user. The system self-regulates the engagement force, eliminating the need for malleable prongs that require user intervention while maintaining strong structural integrity through the hard plastic mounting and less malleable alloy prongs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the adapter cords are made shorter, then cord management is improved, but the plugs frequently disengage from sockets due to movement and pulling
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded prongs provide preliminary lateral pressure that creates friction resistance against disengagement forces. This pre-applied force counteracts the pulling and movement forces transmitted through short adapter cords, preventing frequent disconnection while allowing the cords to remain short for better management.
4Device complexity
If the friction fit of blades in socket is relied upon, then simple plug design is maintained, but electrical communication is lost over time with repeated plugging and unplugging
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism transforms the static friction-fit design into a dynamic system that actively maintains engagement force. The spring continuously applies lateral pressure to compensate for wear and repeated insertion/removal cycles, ensuring consistent electrical communication without requiring complex additional 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
Ensures consistent electrical contact and secure retention of the plug within the socket, preventing casual disengagement, even with heavier adapters, by maintaining a firm physical and electrical connection through adjustable prong spacing and a passive locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing element can include a spring, and the spring can be disposed between the first prong and the second prong.
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element within the body applying lateral pressure to the prong
Data Source
AI summary
A plug includes a body having a longitudinal axis, a prong extending outward from the body parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a biasing element within the body applying lateral pressure to the prong. A second prong can be provided that extends outward from the body parallel to the first prong, and the biasing element can apply lateral pressure to the second prong. The first prong can be biased toward or away from the second prong, and both can be biased in opposite directions. The biasing element can include a spring, and the spring can be disposed between the first prong and the second prong. Also, the biasing element can cause the prong to angle toward or away from the longitudinal axis. A locking mechanism can be provided to move or inhibit movement of the first prong and the second prong.