Symmetrical Adapter Plug for Schuko and UK Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adapter plugs for combining German/French Schuko and British standards require complex and asymmetrical internal electrical connections due to the tilting of symmetry planes, leading to aesthetic and functional issues, and lack a compact and simple internal structure.
Innovation Solution
A three-pole adapter plug with a Schuko plug and a socket for British standards, where the contact sockets for British plugs are arranged symmetrically with respect to the Schuko plug's plane of symmetry, using the ground strips as contacts and modifying the Schuko plug-in body shape to accommodate UK pins without compromising compatibility with standard sockets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the planes of symmetry of the Schuko plug and UK socket are tilted in relation to one another to accommodate UK pins, then the adapter can connect both standards, but the internal electrical connections become complex and asymmetrical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry in reverse - it deliberately maintains symmetry in the adapter's internal structure despite the inherent asymmetry required to connect two different plug standards. The contact sockets for UK pins are arranged symmetrically with respect to the Schuko plug's plane of symmetry, and the ground strip is positioned to serve both Schuko and UK ground connections symmetrically. This symmetrical internal arrangement simplifies the electrical connections while the external geometry adapts to both standards
2Adaptability or versatility
If the planes of symmetry are tilted to accommodate UK pins, then connection is possible, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and UK plugs cannot be plugged in the same direction as Schuko sockets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this by making the internal contact arrangement symmetrical rather than tilted. The contact sockets for UK phase and neutral pins are positioned symmetrically on either side of the central ground strip, which itself is symmetrically positioned relative to the Schuko plug's plane of symmetry. This symmetrical internal geometry allows UK plugs to be inserted in the same direction as Schuko plugs while maintaining proper electrical connections, eliminating the aesthetic and functional drawbacks of tilted arrangements
3Volume of moving object
If contact sockets for UK pins are arranged inside the Schuko plug-in body, then the adapter remains compact, but space for internal connections is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing the UK contact sockets inside the Schuko plug-in body cavity. The UK phase and neutral contact sockets are positioned within the existing Schuko plug structure, utilizing the available internal space efficiently. The ground strip is integrated into this nested arrangement, with one ground strip serving dual purpose for both Schuko and UK ground connections. This nested configuration maintains a compact adapter size while providing adequate space for all necessary electrical connections through careful spatial arrangement
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a three-pole adapter plug (11), comprising, on a first side, a safety plug (13) with two pins (31, 33) and two earth conductors (23,24), in particular a hybrid plug according to the standard CEE 7/7 with an additional contact sleeve (49.5) for a FR earth pin. On the second side, opposite to the first side the adapter has a socket (15) for at least one plug of British standard. A housing (41,43) for the adapter plug (11) forms a safety plug body (21). Contact sleeves (45.3, 47.3, 49.3) for such plugs to British Standards are arranged within the safety plug body (21). According to the invention, one of said earth conductors (23) of the safety plug (13) forms a contact sleeve (49.3) for the UK earth pin on the inner side thereof.