Compact Travel Adapter With Interchangeable Plugs And Extension Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional travel adapters and voltage converters are typically large and heavy, failing to provide adequate access to power outlets or charging means despite their bulk, which is a concern for travelers due to increasing airline restrictions on luggage weight and the need for international compatibility with different AC voltages and plug types.
Innovation Solution
A compact travel adapter design that incorporates a plug adapter assembly and a main housing coupled via a power cord, with additional features like USB ports and an optional extension cord, allowing for secure and compact storage, and compatibility with various international plug types through interchangeable mating adapter plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional travel adapters and voltage converters are used, then compatibility with different AC voltages and plug types is achieved, but the device becomes large and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The travel adapter is divided into separate modular components: a main body housing containing voltage conversion circuitry and interchangeable plug adapters that can be attached as needed. This segmentation allows the voltage converter portion to remain compact while providing multiple plug type options through separate attachable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the adapter is designed with universal voltage conversion capability that works with multiple plug types through interchangeable attachments. This multi-functionality approach allows a single core device to serve multiple purposes across different countries and voltage standards without requiring a separate heavy unit for each plug type.
2Power
If conventional travel adapters are used, then voltage conversion capability is provided, but adequate access to power outlets is not supplied despite considerable bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter design incorporates an extendable cord mechanism that projects power outlets forward from the main body, creating additional spatial dimension for outlet access. This allows users to reach outlets more easily without increasing the core device bulk, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining compactness.
3Volume of moving object
If travel adapters are made compact, then portability is improved, but the number of power outlets and charging means may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power outlets and charging ports are arranged in a nested or stacked configuration within the compact housing, allowing multiple functional elements to occupy overlapping spatial zones. This nesting approach maximizes the number of outlets while minimizing the external dimensions of the adapter.
Data Source
AI summary
A travel adapter and accompanying extension cord are disclosed. The travel adapter and extension cord are designed to work in conjunction with swappable mating adapter plugs. The travel adapter enables compact and convenient storage using an advantageous interlocking design that also protects the travel adapter during transport.