Universal Socket With Segmented Receptacles And Nested Grounding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical sockets are not adaptable to different electrical devices with varying requirements, pose safety hazards, and require professional installation, leading to issues with voltage mismatches, exposure of live pins, and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A universal technology socket with a housing, processor, and extendable portions that can receive and power various pluggable devices, including smart devices, with built-in sensors and indicators for safety and easy installation, allowing for hot swapping and software updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical sockets are used, then installation is simple and cost-effective, but they are not adaptable to different electrical devices with varying requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal socket design with multiple receptacle types (NEMA 5-15, 5-20, 6-15, 6-20, 10-30, 14-30, 12-50) integrated into a single device, allowing it to accommodate various electrical devices with different power requirements. The socket body contains multiple sets of contact blades arranged to receive different plug configurations, enabling one socket to replace multiple specialized sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is divided into multiple functional receptacle sections, each capable of receiving different plug types. The contact blades are segmented into separate sets (first set for hot/neutral, second set for ground, third set for additional connections), allowing independent configuration for different device requirements while maintaining a unified socket structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If professional installation is required for electrical sockets, then safety is ensured, but installation costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The socket is pre-assembled with all necessary electrical connections, contact blades, and internal wiring configured before installation. The unit arrives as a complete, tested assembly that can be installed as a single module, eliminating the need for on-site electrical wiring work and reducing installation complexity while maintaining safety through factory-quality assurance.
3Power
If electrical sockets expose live pins, then power transfer is efficient, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contact blades are nested within the socket body structure, with each blade housed in its own recessed compartment. The blades are positioned such that they are only exposed when a plug is inserted, and even then, the ground blade extends further to provide grounding before power contact. This nested arrangement maintains efficient electrical contact while protecting users from exposure to live components.
Solution Approach 2:
The ground contact blade is designed to extend beyond the hot and neutral blades, creating a preliminary grounding connection before power contacts are made during plug insertion. This preliminary anti-action prevents safety hazards by ensuring the device is grounded before receiving power, eliminating the risk of exposed live pins causing shocks during the connection process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a smart universal technology socket. The technology socket provides for easy installation and connection to an electrical power source. The technology socket is operable to receive hot swappable, modifiable, and upgradable pluggable devices. The technology socket supports pluggable devices with a variety of electrical requirements. The present invention provides a self-retaining technology socket for home, medical, school, and industrial uses.