Stowable Prong Charger with Push-Push Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charger devices with permanently deployed prongs are bulky, making them inconvenient for transportation and increasing the risk of snagging or damage during use.
Innovation Solution
A charger device with stowable prongs that are coupled by a cross-member and biased towards an extended position, featuring a locking mechanism with a rib separating travel paths, allowing the prongs to be easily retracted and extended using a push-push mechanism, reducing the device's overall size and enhancing user convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prongs are permanently deployed in the charger device, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but device size increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. The locking mechanism ensures stable electrical connection when extended, while the ability to retract reduces device volume for portability. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between connection reliability and device size.
2Volume of moving object
If prongs are retracted into the housing, then device size is reduced for better portability, but the complexity of the locking mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism utilizes spring-loaded components that automatically engage and disengage the prongs. The first spring (154) and second spring (164) provide automatic locking and unlocking actions without requiring complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while enabling retraction functionality.
3Ease of operation
If a locking mechanism is implemented to secure extended prongs, then operational safety is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism integrates multiple functions into unified components. The carriage (140) combines the locking member (148) with spring mechanisms (154, 164) to provide both locking and biasing functions. The cross-member (124) integrates the prongs (114, 116) with the locking interaction points, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall structure.
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
The stowable prongs reduce the charger device's size, making it easier to carry and reducing the risk of snagging or damage, while allowing for one-handed extension and retraction, even in limited visibility situations, thereby improving user convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a prong spring (150) positioned within the housing (64) and coupled to the prongs (66), the prong spring (150) biased the prongs (66) toward the extended position
Implementation Method 2
the locking member (96) being biased toward a non-pivoted position by a locking member spring (95)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A device having an electrical plug, such as a charger device, includes a locking member coupled to a carriage that is movable into a housing. Prongs of the device are movable between a retracted position and an extended position along two different travel paths by actuating the prongs or by actuating the carriage.