Travel Adapter Sliding Plug Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing travel plug adapters are not convenient to use, require complex operation, and lack a clear and secure ready position, making them difficult to operate one-handedly and resulting in a bulky design that is not compact or aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A travel plug adapter with a housing that can be shaped for ease of transport, featuring a detachable design with a plug receptacle that accommodates multiple standards, and includes actuating elements and locking mechanisms that allow for easy, one-handed operation and secure positioning of plugs, ensuring they can be easily moved between standby and use positions without accidentally activating adjacent plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control element is used to move multiple pin sets, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates because one-handed operation becomes difficult and control elements take up excessive space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control mechanism into separate control elements for each pin set. Each control element can be operated independently, allowing for one-handed operation while maintaining a compact design. The control elements are positioned on the connector surface without excessive spacing, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and ease of operation.
2Volume of moving object
If control elements are positioned close together to save space, then the device becomes more compact, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to limited finger access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the local arrangement of control elements on the connector surface. Each control element is positioned to be easily accessible by finger while maintaining overall compactness. The control elements are distributed across the surface in a pattern that provides adequate spacing for operation without excessive volume increase, resolving the contradiction between compactness and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to secure plugs in standby position, then electrical safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a spring-loaded locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position of the control elements. When control elements are in their neutral position, the spring forces the locking element to engage with the pins, securing them in the standby position. When control elements are actuated, the locking element automatically disengages. This self-service mechanism provides electrical safety without requiring complex additional controls or mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a travel plug adapter, which is also referred to here in short as a travel plug. By means of such an adapter, mains plugs of a certain (domestic) standard can be inserted into the receptacles present at the travel location. In particular, the invention relates to a travel plug adapter (10) that has a housing, a plug socket (16), and at least one first plug (38, 84) of a first standard, wherein an actuating element (22, 84) is associated with the first plug (38, 84), which actuating element is designed to slide the plug (38, 84) between a readiness position, in which the plug (38, 84) is located substantially within the housing, and a usage position, in which the plug (38, 84) is located outside of the housing for use, and a locking element (106A) is associated with the plug, by means of which locking element the plug (38, 84) can be locked in the readiness position and which locking element can assume an open position and a closed position, wherein the locking element (106A) locks the plug (38, 84) in the readiness position when the locking element (106A) is in the closed position thereof and wherein the locking element (106A) can be transferred from the open position to the closed position by the sliding of the first plug (38, 84).