Winged Cord Plug Assembly to Prevent Sideways Tipping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plug devices often suffer damage due to sideways tipping, which can bend or break the contacts when inserted into a female outlet.
Innovation Solution
A male electrical plug design featuring a pair of wings extending laterally in opposite directions that abut the wall plate of a female outlet, preventing the plug from tipping sideways and protecting the contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional male electrical plug is used without protective features, then the device structure remains simple, but the plug contacts are vulnerable to sideways tipping damage when inserted into a female outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The plug body is segmented into functional zones: the main cylindrical body housing the contacts, and two lateral wings extending from the body. This segmentation allows the wings to independently perform the protective function of abutting against the outlet wall plate, while the main body maintains electrical connection functions, thus protecting contacts without significantly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The plug design incorporates asymmetric features through the wings that extend laterally in specific directions. These wings create an asymmetric profile that engages with the symmetric wall plate of the outlet, generating directional counter-forces that prevent sideways tipping. The asymmetric wing configuration provides targeted protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Stability of the object's composition
If the male electrical plug is designed with lateral wings extending in opposite directions, then sideways tipping is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective wings are merged with the plug body as an integrated structure rather than separate components. This merging allows the wings to be formed simultaneously with the plug body during molding or machining operations, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity despite the added functional feature
Solution Approach 2:
The wings serve multiple functions: they act as mechanical stops to prevent excessive insertion depth, provide lateral stability by abutting the wall plate, and guide the plug into proper alignment with the outlet. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process while achieving enhanced stability
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical cord plug assembly for inhibiting a male electrical plug from being damaged includes a male electrical plug that is electrically coupled to an electrical cord. The male electrical plug can be plugged into a female electrical outlet. The male electrical plug has a pair of wings each extending laterally away from the male electrical plug. Each of the wings abuts a wall plate of the female electrical plug when the male electrical plug is plugged into the female electrical plug. Additionally, each of the wings extends in opposite directions from each other on the male electrical plug. In this way the wings inhibit the male electrical plug from being bent sideways in the female electrical plug.