GB2548348A

GB2548348A - Smart electrical plug

Info

Publication number: GB2548348A
Application number: GB1604271.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Singh Dhanjal Avtarjeet
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-03-13
Filing date: 2016-03-13
Publication date: 2017-09-20
Also published as: GB201604271D0

Abstract

A three pin electrical plug with a movable earth pin 091E and two permanently mounted live 091L and neutral 091N pins that allow the plug to engage with electrical sockets that require plugs with different configurations such as E, F, L and O sockets. The earth pin is pivotally mounted to a telescopic modules 0941, where the telescopic modules comprises an inner and outer telescopic modules. The pivotal mounting allows the earth pin to move from an extended position to a retracted position, where the pivot end of the earth pin may be used as the electrical contact with an electrical socket (figs 5 & 10). In the retracted position the pin may be positioned within the body of the plug (fig 9). The telescopic modules are movable along a plane that is perpendicular to the direction of the live and neutral pins, allowing the earth pin to move from a position parallel to the live and neutral pins, to a position away from the live and neutral pins. A plurality of electrically conductive springs or sliding links (fig 14, 0952E) maintain the connection between the earth pin and the sockets earth terminal. Preferably a hinged connector links the flexible cord to the plug body (fig 17-18.

Description

Title: Smart electric plug Inventor: Avtarjeet Dhanjal

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a smart electrical plug with connectivity to a wide range of known socket types. More specifically the present invention relates to a smart plug with fixed position live and neutral pins, a sliding and hinged earth pin/blade rotatable to provide both male and female earth connectivity.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Globally there are 15 common electrical socket types, A-0, each requiring a unique plug for effective and safe engagement. Travelling between countries and regions using different socket types therefore requires the use and purchase of a plug compatible with each socket type. Clearly this is less than desirable for a traveller, especially in the case of Europe where socket types C, E, F, G, J, K and L can be found. Type E sockets are unique in that they have a male earth pin/blade requiring a female earth connector on the plug.

[0005] Plugs with connectivity to some but not all plugs types are known. U.S patent 7160124 discloses a three pin plug with fixed live and neutral pins and an earth pin that slides up and down in the direction perpendicular to the protruding pins. U.S patent 7144266 discloses a three pin plug with fixed live and neutral pins and a rotatable earth pin movable between folded and unfolded orientations. Plugs built using these principles/teachings may connect to some socket types.

[0006] No plug can offer connectivity to all A-0 socket types due to not only different pin/prong configurations but having different shaped pins/prongs.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The following presents a simplified summary of the innovation in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of the invention nor delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

[0009] The present invention provides an electrical plug (09) connected to an electrical cord (092), wherein the live/hot (091L) and neutral (091N) pins are permanently mounted on to the body (098) of the plug. An earth/ground pin/blade (091E) is mounted onto an articulated module/channel (0941) and using a number of additional modules/channels (0942) the earth/ground pin/blade (091E) can move/slide frictionally in a straight line perpendicular to the line of the other two pins/prongs (091L and 091N). The earth/ground pin/blade (091E) is secured within the module/channel by a pivot pin/blade (0951a), the earth/ground pin/blade can flip about the pivot pin (0951a) between two positions: extended and retracted. In the extended position the earth/ground pin/blade extends in the same direction as the live/hot and neutral pins forming a three pin/blade plug with earth pin/blade moveable in direction perpendicular to the direction of live/hot (091L) and neutral (091N) pins. In the retracted position the earth/ground pin/blade now points in the opposite direction to the other pins, and reveals a curved earth/ground interface (0911), suitable for connection to the male Earth prong of Type E sockets. The earth/ground pin/blade (091E) irrespective of its moving location is continuously connected to the mains earth terminal (095E) using either a number of springs (0953E) or /and a set of sliding links (0954E) made from electrically conducting material.

[0010] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The smart plug of the present invention is described in the following figures. It is understood that these are for exemplification and in no way restrict the compatibility of the smart plug with sockets. It will be apparent from discussion of the features of the smart plug in the description that it possesses versatile connectivity across all socket types. In the following description of the figures - up and down or left and right shall refer to as seen in the figures.

[0012] Fig. 1: illustrates an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with all three pins orientated downwards and articulated modules/channels in default closed position.

[0013] Fig 2: : illustrates a front view of an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with plug body, all three pins orientated downwards and articulated module in default closed position.

[0014] Fig 3: illustrates an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with plug body, the live and neutral pins orientated downwards and the earth pin/blade rotated upwards. In this configuration the plug is suitable for engagement with a Type E socket.

[0015] Fig 4: illustrates an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with plug body, the live and neutral pins orientated downwards, the earth pin/blade orientated upwards and extended by the articulated modules (0941) and (0942).

[0016] Fig. 5: illustrates a cross sectional view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 3 in engagement with a Type E socket.

[0017] Fig 6: illustrates a sectional view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 3 in engagement with a Type E socket.

[0018] Fig 7: illustrates a cross sectional view of an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with plug body, the live and neutral pins orientated downwards, the earth pin/blade orientated downwards and extended by the articulated module (0941). In this configuration the piug is suitabie for engagement with a Type 0 socket.

[0019] Fig. 8: illustrates a view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 7 aligned for engagement with a Type 0 socket.

[0020] Fig 9: illustrates an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with plug body, the live and neutrai pins orientated downwards, the earth pin/biade orientated upwards and extended by the articulated modules (0941) and (0942). In this configuration the plug is suitabie for engagement with a Type F socket.

[0021] Fig 10: iiiustrates a sectionai view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 9 in engagement with a Type F socket.

[0022] Fig 11: iiiustrates a cross sectional view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 9 in engagement with a Type F socket.

[0023] Fig. 12: illustrates a cross sectional view of an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with piug body, aii three pins orientated downwards and aiigned in paraliei. in this configuration the piug is suitable for engagement with a Type L socket.

[0024] Fig. 13: illustrates a perspective view of an electrical plug, consistent with the present invention, in the configuration as shown in fig 12 in engagement with a Type L socket.

[0025] Fig 14: illustrates an electrical plug consistent with the present invention without the plug body, with the earth pin, connecting springs and earth sliding links visible.

[0026] Fig 15, 16 & 16a: illustrate an electrical plug consistent with the present invention with removable fuse nestled in plug body under removable fuse cover.

[0027] Fig 17: illustrates a right angled body (098) in a further embodiment of an electrical plug consistent with the present invention.

[0028] Figs: 18 & 19 illustrate a turnable right angled body (098) in a further embodiment of an electrical plug consistent with the present invention.

[0029] Fig: 20 illustrate another embodiment of the body (098) for an electrical plug consistent with the present invention where the cord/cable attached to the plug is connected using a articulated hinge (096) to allow the cord to be lifted and down as required in any situation.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The present invention is best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.

[0032] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the Invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, It should be appreciated that those skilled In the art will, in light of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of the particular application, to implement the functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is, there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa, where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily imply that the two are mutually exclusive.

[0033] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials, manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein, as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein Is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims (in this application, or any derived applications thereof), the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a reference to "a step" or "a means" Is a reference to one or more steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical "exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0035] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art, and which may be used instead of or in addition to features already described herein.

[0036] Although Claims may be formulated in this Application or of any further Application derived therefrom, to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention.

[0037] Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The Applicants hereby give notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and/or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present Application or of any further Application derived therefrom.

[0038] Figure 1 provides an example of the smart plug consistent with the present invention, a supply cable (092) enters the smart plug from a rear entry point in the external plug body (098), a fixed live pin 091L and fixed neutral pin 091N protrude from the front face of the plug. The earth pin/blade 091E is mounted on a movable articulated module 0941. Figure 2 represents a front face view of the plug in figure 1. In both figure 1 and 2 the smart plug is in its default, resting or non-extended and non-rotated configuration. It can be seen that the pins 091L and 091N are parallel extending downwards, whilst the earth pin/blade 091E is elevated above the two other pins but is also extending downwards. Figure 2 reveals the inner mounting part 0941 for the earth pin/blade 091E which is extendable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the fixed live 091L and neutral 091N pins, a second outer part 0942 is extendable in the opposite direction perpendicular to the fixed pins.

[0039] Fig 3 presents the smart plug in a non-extended configuration, in that modules 0941 and 0942 are closed together, but with the earth pin/blade 091E flipped to a position approximately lying in the same plane but pointing in opposite directions to the fixed pins 091L and 091N. In this position the earth pin/blade is recessed in the plug body. The earth pin/blade 091E in this position reveals a curved face 0911 suitable to act as an interface for socket E, which possess male earth prong extending outenwards from the socket surface. It will be apparent to the reader that the relative positions of movable parts 0941 and 0942 can be adjusted to engage with various sockets.

[0040] Figure 4 presents a smart plug consistent with the present invention wherein the two movable modules 0941 and 0942 are fully extended outerwards in direction perpendicular to the direction of the fixed pins. The earth pin/blade 091E is enabled to flip freely about pivot pin/blade 0951 e between pointing in the same direction as the fixed pins 091L and 091N, and the recessed position described in figure 3.

[0041] Figure 5 presents a sectional view smart plug consistent with the present invention in engagement with a Type E socket. The earth pin/blade 091E is in the recessed position enabling contact of the Type E male earth pin/prong 056E with the curved face 0911 of the Earth pin/blade (091E). A spring 0952 maintains both the structural rigidity of the movable parts 0941/0942 and also acts as part of the plug earth system by maintaining connection between the earth pin/blade 091E and earth links 0953E/0954E that are connected to the earth wire present in the cable 092. In figure 6 the same smart plug/Type E socket engagement is shown as a cross sectional view.

[0042] Figures 7 and 8 demonstrate the utility of the sliding movable part 0941. In the configuration shown in figure 7, 0941 is extended sufficiently and independently of 0942, to increase the vertical distance between earth pin/blade 091E and the fixed pins. In this configuration the smart plug is corrected shaped for safe and secure engagement with a Type 0 socket.

[0043] Figures 9 and 10 demonstrate yet another configuration for the smart plug. In figure 9 the earth pin/blade 091E is rotated about the pivot pin/blade 0951a to the recessed position. Movable modules 0941 and 0942 are extended in opposite directions away from the main body of the plug. As shown in figure 10 this configuration allows the smart plug to engage with the Type F or Schuko socket. A feature of a smart pin/blade of the present invention is the earth system provided by earth pin/blade 091E, spring 0944 and earth linker 0913E which in turn is connected to the earth wire (0921E) in mains cable 092. The earth pin/blade 091E and linker 0913E remain in contact with the earth clip 056E present in the Type F, Schuko, socket whilst in use. Figure 11 provides a cross sectional of a smart plug in engagement with the Type F socket.

[0044] Figures 12 and 13 demonstrate yet another potential configuration for a smart plug, wherein the movable parts 0941 and 0942 are both moved in the same direction to enable co-planar arrangement of the earth pin/blade 091E with fixed pins 091N/091L. In this configuration the smart plug is able to engage with Type O plugs as shown in figure 13.

[0045] Figure 14 provides a view of the internal structure of a smart plug consistent with the present invention. The three pins 091E, 091N, 091L are extending downwards. The earth pin/blade 091E, spring 0952E and linkers 0953E, 0954E constitute an earthing system spanning the width of the plug as demonstrated in figure 10 above.

[0046] It will be apparent to the reader of the above examples the smart plug of the present invention can maintain safe and effective engagement with sockets of Types C, E, F, J, L and 0, as all these Types share a common feature of round pins/prongs, and center to center distance of the two Live (091L) and Neutral (091N), with difference of the earth pins/prongs, which the smart plug is equipped to bridge.

[0047] The teachings of the invention can be utilized with other Types of plugs; those may not be interchangeable across types as the pins/prongs are shaped differently from rectangular as in Type G, to flat blades as in the case of Type H & I. Besides different sizes of the blades and orientation of the blades as in the case of Type A, B, H & I. Such unbridgeable differences of blades types do not allow any universal plug to be used across all types of sockets, but the principles established by this invention may be used universally across the board.

[0048] It is further contemplated that power supply to the plug may be provided by USB or other type of detachable connection to the plug head and is not restricted to a fixed cable.

[0049] The smart plug may also feature a switch and an LED indicator light which is either built into the switch or located near the switch. The Socket and the plug main body may include a voltage step-down transformer to lower voltage DC power.

[0050] In one arrangement, the plug may have set of apertures to engage with electrical plugs with different pin/blade configuration/s, to act as convenient adaptor.

[0051] In another arrangement, the earth pin/blade may only be a dummy pin/blade of non-conductive material and is then configured only to open protective gates within a mains socket into which the plug can be engaged.

[0052] Figures 15, 16 and 16a demonstrate another embodiment of the smart plug with a suitable replaceable fuse 097 nestled within the plug body connecting the live /hot pin/prong and the live/hot wire which is part of cord. The fuse is covered by a removable cover 0971. Figure 16a represents an embodiment of a smart plug wherein the removable cover 0971 can be detached from the plug body by sliding the cover in a direction parallet to the direction of the pins. Thus in this embodiment 0971 can only be removed when plug is not engaged against a socket.

[0053] FIG 17-18 show one variation of the smart plug where connecting cable (092) enters the body from a right angle, and make the cable hang down as in many plugs, since this plug is of a versatile design and it can be plugged into various sockets. In some situations, right-angled cable may need to be rotated. The articulation/pivoting arrangement show in these two Figures show the how 3 individual wires coming from the cable into the plug body, where each one connected to an independent ending, which is slide-able on 3 plates.

[0054] In the center is the round Earth 0922E, and two half-moon plates 0922L and 0922N are fixed to the base and allow the wire heads slide over them, thus allowing the cable to be turned/pivoted to a convenient angle.

[0055] FIG 19-20 show another variation of the smart plug where connecting cable (092) enters the body from a right angle, and make the cable hang down as in many plugs, since this plug is of a versatile design and it can be plugged into various sockets. In some situations, right-angled cable may need to be turn up when situation demands. This articulation is achieved by bringing three wires collected to a hinged connector, which allows the cable to be turned up and down at 90 degrees, and stays connected during the movement.

[0056] FIG 21-22show another variation of the smart plug where teachings of this invention are further applied to the Type B (NEMA) plug, to allow the plug to be used with Type A and Type B sockets.

[0057] Although the present invention has been described in connection with the preferred form of practicing it and variations thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that many other variations can be created to the present invention within the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims

What is Claimed;

1. A three pin electrical plug, having a body connected to a flexible power supply cord, comprising: first and second conductive pins/blades permanently mounted on to the plug body, an earth pin/blade mounted by means of a pivot pin to a sliding articulated module , the pivot pin enabling the said earthpin/blade to flip between a position parallel to the first and second conductive blades and a position within the plug body wherein, the sliding articulated module housing the earthpin/blade and pivot pin is movable in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the first and second blades.

2. The electrical plug of claim 1, wherein the articulated module comprises an inner and outer telescopic modules/ channels movable in the same or opposing directions.

3. The electrical plug of any of claims 1 or 2, where in the earth pin/blade is maintained in connection with the socket earth terminal using either a plurality of springs and/or sliding links made from electrically conductive material housed within the plug body.

4. The electrical plug of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a hinged connector linking the flexible cord to the plug body.