Toggle-Pin Converter for Fast 2-Pole and 3-Pole Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing converters are cumbersome and inconvenient to switch between three-pole and two-pole socket configurations due to the need for manual operation of the earth-pole plug pin, which complicates the conversion process.
Innovation Solution
A converter design featuring a toggle button assembly that allows seamless switching between three-pole and two-pole configurations by using a movable body and elastic members to facilitate the extension and retraction of plug pins, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of the earth-pole plug pin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of the earth-pole plug pin is used for switching between three-pole and two-pole configurations, then the converter can be operated, but the operation becomes cumbersome and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The converter enables self-service operation through the elastic member mechanism. When the body moves between first and second positions, the elastic member automatically extends or retracts the earth-pole plug pin without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the body's movement to trigger the pin's extension/retraction through elastic force.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter implements dynamics by making the earth-pole plug pin movable between extended and retracted states. The pin is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusts its position based on the body's movement, allowing seamless transition between three-pole and two-pole configurations through motion rather than manual assembly/disassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the earth-pole plug pin is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but switching between three-pole and two-pole modes requires manual manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The earth-pole plug pin is transformed from a fixed component to a dynamic one that automatically extends and retracts. This dynamic behavior enables the converter to adapt between three-pole and two-pole modes seamlessly, improving versatility while maintaining ease of operation through automatic adjustment rather than manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin extension and retraction are performed automatically by the elastic member mechanism without user intervention. The system self-regulates the pin's position based on the body's movement, enabling configuration switching to be as easy as moving the body while maintaining the adaptability to support both three-pole and two-pole modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the body is made movable to enable configuration switching, then adaptability improves, but the risk of misplacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides mechanical feedback that ensures the body and earth-pole plug pin are properly positioned. When the body moves to the first position, the elastic member's tension or compression state provides tactile and positional feedback, guiding the user to the correct placement and reducing the risk of misplacement while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member acts as a cushioning element that absorbs positioning errors and guides the body into the correct position. By providing elastic resistance before proper engagement, the mechanism prevents misplacement while enabling easy switching between configurations, thus maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
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
Enables rapid and convenient conversion between three-pole and two-pole socket modes, enhancing user experience by simplifying the operation and ensuring stable plug pin engagement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member configured to apply an elastic force to the earth-pole plug pin, wherein the body is movable between a first position and a second position along a moving direction, and the earth-pole plug pin is configured to be extended out of the housing when the body is at the first position due to the elastic force applied by the elastic member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
Provided is a converter, comprising a housing and a tripolar pin assembly. The tripolar pin assembly comprises a toggle button assembly, wherein the toggle button assembly is configured to move between a first position and a second position. When the toggle button assembly is at the first position, the toggle button assembly can drive an L-pole pin, an N-pole pin and a ground-pole pin to extend out of the housing; when the toggle button assembly is at the second position, the ground-pole pin can be accommodated in the housing under the action of a first elastic member.