Universal Light Bulb Socket with Deflectable Safety Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lightbulb sockets struggle to mechanically and electrically interface with both screw-type and bayonet-type lightbulbs, and also fail to accommodate downlight-type connectors, while lacking adequate safety features to prevent electrocution from foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
A lightbulb socket design featuring a central electrode, lateral electrodes, and a deflectable safety plate that exposes electrodes only when a lightbulb is inserted, along with a retention mechanism to prevent accidental exposure, allowing for electrical connection with screw-type, bayonet-type, and downlight-type bulbs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the socket is designed to accommodate multiple connector types (screw-type, bayonet-type, downlight-type), then the adaptability of the socket is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mechanical engagement mechanisms and electrical connection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple connector types (screw-type, bayonet-type, and downlight-type) through a single unified housing and electrode arrangement. The housing includes integrated screw threading and bayonet channels, while the electrode configuration supports both central-lateral and dual-electrode connection patterns, allowing one socket to serve multiple functions without requiring separate specialized sockets for each bulb type.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: screw engagement zones with threading, bayonet engagement zones with channels and retention pins, and electrode zones with central and lateral contacts. This segmentation allows each connector type to engage its dedicated mechanical and electrical components independently within the unified socket housing, reducing interference between different connection mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the electrodes are exposed for electrical connection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety is worsened due to risk of electrocution from foreign objects or fingers
Solution Approach 1:
The safety plate is positioned in advance to cover the electrodes before any connector is inserted. The retention mechanism pre-secures the safety plate in its protective position, preventing accidental contact with exposed electrodes. Only when a proper connector is inserted does the safety plate move away, ensuring electrodes are exposed only when needed and only to the correct component.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable safety plate acts as an intermediary barrier between the exposed electrodes and the external environment. It physically blocks access to the electrodes during idle states, preventing direct contact by fingers or foreign objects. The safety plate moves away from the electrodes only when properly engaged by a lightbulb connector, at which point the electrical connection is established through the connector's own structure rather than direct exposure.
3Ease of operation
If the safety plate is made deflectable to expose electrodes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability is worsened due to potential accidental displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The safety plate is designed with dynamic characteristics, being deflectable rather than completely fixed. It can move away from the electrodes when properly engaged by a connector, allowing electrode exposure. However, the retention mechanism provides a stable default position that the plate assumes when no connector is present, creating a system that is stable when idle but can transition to an exposed state when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism applies a preliminary restraining force to hold the safety plate in its default protective position, preventing accidental displacement. The plate is biased toward the covered position, and only the specific mechanical action of inserting a proper connector overcomes this retention force. This preliminary anti-action ensures the plate won't move accidentally while still allowing controlled movement when required.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a light bulb socket comprising: a substantially cylindrical socket housing defining an open end for the insertion of a light bulb connector therein, the cylindrical socket housing defining a coaxial axis, the socket housing defining an inner comprising screw threading for screw-type engagement of a screw-type light bulb and opposing pair of bayonet channels, each bayonet channel comprising an insertion channel portion parallel to the coaxial axis and terminating in an perpendicular engagement channel for the inline insertion and twisting engagement of opposing bayonet pins of a bayonet-type bulb therein; a deflectable safety plate retained within the socket housing, the deflectable safety plate deflectable between a default position towards the open end of the socket housing and a deflected position away from the open end; and electrodes within the socket housing, the electrodes comprising: a central electrode; and a pair of lateral electrodes adjacent the central electrode.