Tamper-Resistant Electrical Cord Shutter Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacles and cords lack effective tamper-resistant mechanisms to prevent children from inserting conductive objects and thereby reducing the risk of electrocution, as current solutions are either complex, cumbersome, or wear out quickly.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tamper-resistant electrical cord with a shutter assembly comprising multiple shutter members that pivot and slide to prevent unauthorized access to electrical contacts, allowing only authorized plugs to engage the contacts while keeping non-electrical objects out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If doors are incorporated in the electrical device to prevent access to electrical contacts, then safety against electrocution is improved, but the mechanism becomes complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is divided into multiple independent shutter members (first shutter member, second shutter member, third shutter member, fourth shutter member) that can move independently. Each shutter member is a separate component that can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining safety functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter members are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically respond to plug insertion. The shutters pivot and slide to open when a plug is inserted and automatically close when the plug is removed, providing adaptive safety without complex control mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple tamper resistant mechanisms are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the mechanisms wear out quickly and lose protective function
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple shutter members are combined within a single shutter assembly that works together as an integrated unit. The first and second shutter members work with the third and fourth shutter members to provide layered protection, where the failure of one shutter member does not compromise the entire safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter assembly is designed with built-in tolerance and redundancy to accommodate wear over time. The multiple shutter members provide backup protection, ensuring that even if one shutter wears or fails, the others continue to provide safety protection.
3Reliability
If multiple shutter members are used to prevent access to electrical contacts, then safety reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter assembly is segmented into four distinct shutter members that can be manufactured as separate components and assembled together. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while achieving enhanced safety through their combined operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter members are arranged in a nested configuration where the third shutter member is positioned behind the first shutter member, and the fourth shutter member is positioned behind the second shutter member. This nested arrangement provides multiple layers of protection within a compact space, reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shutter assembly is disposed within the at least one socket, the shutter assembly including a first and second shutter members positioned proximate the cover assembly. Each shutter member is at least partially aligned with a separate cover opening in the cover assembly and is movable between a closed position and an open position in response to engaging at least one plug blade by an electric motor.