Type-C Plug Stabilizing Adaptor for Heavy Type E Socket Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Type E sockets in Europe often fail to provide sufficient support for heavier devices with USB Type-C plugs, leading to frequent disconnections and potential damage due to bending moments.
Innovation Solution
A stabilizing adaptor is designed to surround and engage the Type-C plug on multiple sides, featuring flexible engagement tabs and a ground pin aperture, ensuring the plug remains stable and parallel to the socket face, while also allowing airflow through the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a USB Type-C plug is used for power connection, then ease of use and reversibility are improved, but connection stability and support for heavy devices deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizing adaptor is introduced as an intermediary component between the Type-C plug and the Type-E socket. The adaptor features a housing that receives the Type-C plug and provides additional support surfaces, while its prongs engage with the Type-E socket. This intermediary structure distributes the mechanical load and prevents the plug from being pulled out or bent, thereby maintaining connection stability while preserving the ease of use of Type-C connectors.
2Power
If device weight is increased for higher performance, then processing power and functionality are improved, but mechanical support and connection stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing adaptor acts as a counterweight structure by providing additional support surfaces and engagement points. The adaptor's housing surrounds the Type-C plug and distributes the weight load across multiple contact points with the socket, counteracting the gravitational force on heavier devices. This allows high-performance devices with increased weight to maintain stable connections without compromising the socket's structural integrity.
3Ease of operation
If plug prongs are made flexible for insertion ease, then ease of operation is improved, but resistance to bending damage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizing adaptor provides beforehand cushioning by establishing additional support and alignment before the Type-C plug is fully inserted into the socket. The adaptor's structure guides the plug during insertion and maintains proper positioning, preventing excessive bending forces from being applied to the prongs. This protective mechanism allows the prongs to remain flexible for easy insertion while being shielded from damaging bending stresses during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a stabilizing adaptor configured to enhance the stability and durability of a Type C plug when inserted into a Type E socket. The stabilizing adaptor includes a housing aperture configured to surround and engage a plug housing on multiple sides, preventing bending and/or pulling of the plug prongs out of the Type E socket due to the weight of an electronic device that includes a Type C plug. The stabilizing adaptor features engagement protrusions that cooperate with flexible engagement tabs to ensure a secure fit against a plug housing. A ground pin aperture accommodates the ground pin of a Type E socket, and a contour of an outer wall of the stabilizing adaptor engage the walls of a socket void, ensuring a stable and reliable connection for heavier electronic devices.