Vehicle Socket Release Mechanism for Locked Plug Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing socket devices for vehicles, such as mobile homes and caravans, face difficulties in safely and conveniently releasing the electrical plug connection, particularly when the socket is arranged within a trough, as the securing element can be challenging to disengage, risking manual contact with electrical components.
Innovation Solution
A socket device with a release device that can be moved between a rest and release position, allowing the securing element on the plug cover to be disengaged from the socket's securing element, enabling easy removal of the plug without manual reach into cramped areas, and optionally operated manually or remotely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the socket is located within a recess of the base element, then the plug connection is protected and secured, but it becomes difficult to lift the securing element to pull the plug out
Solution Approach 1:
A release device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the securing element. When the release device is actuated, it moves the securing element from its engaged position with the plug cover to a disengaged position, allowing plug removal without manual access to the recess area.
Solution Approach 2:
The release device transforms the plug removal operation from a direct manual manipulation within the recess to an external operation performed on the release device itself, which is accessible from outside the recess.
2Ease of operation
If manual reach into cramped areas is required to disengage the securing element, then the plug connection can be released, but the risk of electric shocks and safety hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release device serves as a safety intermediary that allows users to disengage the securing element without placing their hands in the electrically hazardous recess area. The release device is positioned externally and provides a safe interface for plug removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The plug connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the socket in the recess, the securing element, the plug cover, and the externally accessible release device. This segmentation allows the release function to be separated from the hazardous recess area.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a socket device, in particular for a vehicle, with a base element (10) on which a socket (18) for making an electrical connection with a plug (30) is arranged, which includes a locking device (26) with a locking element (40) which, when the plug (30) is inserted into the socket (18), is engaged by a corresponding locking element (38) of a plug cover (34) located in a locking position and mounted on the plug (30), thereby securing the plug (30) against being pulled off the socket (18).To enable a particularly reliable and safe disconnection of the electrical connection between the socket (18) and the plug (30), a release device (28) is arranged on the socket (18), which can be moved between a rest position and a release position, whereby, when the plug (30) is inserted into the socket (18), the plug cover (34) and the locking element (38) arranged on the plug cover (34) can be moved from the locking position to a release position, in which the locking element (38) of the plug cover (34) is disengaged from the locking element (40) of the locking device (28) of the socket (18), whereby the plug (30) can be pulled out of the socket (18).