WO2020129090A1

WO2020129090A1 - Electrical socket with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch

Info

Publication number: WO2020129090A1
Application number: PCT/IN2019/050946
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vinayak Madhav RAO
Original assignee: RAO, Nikhil Vinayak
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-22
Publication date: 2020-06-25

Abstract

An electric socket (202) with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug (402) and the electrical socket (202) using a plug actuated switch is provided. The plug actuated switch comprises a spring loaded probe (204) that is embedded into the electrical socket (202) in a vertical or horizontal position. A first end of the spring loaded probe (204) is connected to at least one pressurizing spring (302) and a second end of the spring loaded probe (204) is projected into a neutral wire socket groove (206) of the electrical socket (202). When both prongs (404) of the plug (402) areinserted into the electrical socket (202), the spring loaded probe (204) is actuated and an electrical contact (303) of the spring loaded probe (204) moves towards an electrical contact (304) of the AC power supply (306). This enables AC power supply (306) to a live wire socket groove (208) due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs (404) into the electrical socket (202). The pressurizing spring (302), in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug (402) and the electrical socket (202), by holding the plug (402) firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug (402) into a position inside the electrical socket (202) and enables a plug pin (404) to electrically contact the live wire socket groove (208) of the electrical socket (202).

Description

ELECTRICAL SOCKET WITH IMPROVED SAFETY FOR ENABLING

POSITIVE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN A PLUG AND THE ELECTRICAL SOCKET USING A PLUG ACTUATED SWITCH

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to an electrical socket, and more particularly to an electrical socket that enables positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug-actuated switch and enables power supply to a device if a plug of the device is inserted into the electric socket without using a separate electric switch. The electrical socket also provides safety for a user by not allowing electrical current to flow unless both prongs of the plug are simultaneously inserted into the electrical socket.

Description of the Related Art

[0002] AC power plugs and sockets allow electric equipment to be connected to the primary alternating current (AC) power supply in buildings and at other sites. Electrical plugs and sockets differ from one another in voltage and current rating, shape, size, and connector type. Different systems of plugs and sockets have been standardized, and different standards are used in different parts of the world. Some multi-standard sockets allow the use of several types of the plug; improvised or unapproved adaptors between incompatible sockets and plugs may not provide the full safety and performance of an approved socket-plug combination.

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical wall mounted socket 102 with an electric switch panel 104. The wall mounted socket 102 comprises one or more grooves 108 for receiving the plug prongs of an electric plug of a device. The electric switch panel 104 comprises an electric switch 106. When the electric switch 106 is switched ON, the typical wall mounted socket 102 in which the plug of the device is inserted provides power supply to the device.

[0004] The cylindrical prongs (e.g. plug pins) of the electric plug usually have varying sizes. Especially, in the India scenario, the electric plug prongs usually do not confirm to the size standards. This often leads to the plugs left loose or hanging in the electric sockets, which results in the electric coupling not being proper. Further, a traditional electrical socket is usually uncovered, and has a risk of accidental shock if any conducting device is inserted into the live wire, when the switch is on. Also, the electrical sockets must be actuated with a separate switch which introduces additional switching effort, hardware and money.

[0005] Accordingly, there remains a need for an electrical socket that prevents accidental shock, enables positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch and power supply to a device if a plug of the device is inserted into the electric socket without using an electric switch while ensuring the safety.

SUMMARY

[0006] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides an electrical socket with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch. The plug actuated switch includes a spring loaded probe and at least one pressurizing spring. The spring loaded probe is embedded into the electrical socket in a horizontal position. The first end of the spring loaded probe is connected to at least one pressurizing spring and the second end of the spring loaded probe is projected into a neutral wire socket groove of the electrical socket. When both prongs of the plug are inserted into the electrical socket, the spring loaded probe is actuated and moves towards an electrical contact of the AC power supply to enable AC power supply to a live wire socket groove due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs into the electrical socket, and the pressurizing spring is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug and the electrical socket by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug into a position inside the electrical socket and enables a plug pin to electrically contact the live wire socket groove of the electrical socket. The pressurizing spring exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

[0007] In one embodiment, the spring loaded probe is provided as an integrated switch within the electrical socket.

[0008] In another embodiment, the spring loaded probe establishes electrical contact with the AC power supply and provide power supply through the electrical socket to a device.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the at least one of pressurizing spring is vary in size, a shape and/or a material in order to exert the pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton. [0010] In yet another embodiment, the spring loaded probe comprises an insulated material at the second end that separates the spring loaded probe from the electrical contact.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the pressurizing spring is a spring that changes its shape in response to an external force, returning to its original shape when the force is removed.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the pressurizing spring is made up of metal or a round wire. The round wire is made up of different material types which are divided into different categories such as a high-carbon spring wire, an alloy steel wire, a stainless steel wire, and a more extravagant category such as non-ferrous alloy wire and high-temperature alloy wire.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the pressurizing spring is a leaf spring, a bellow spring or any suitable spring that exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

[0014] In yet another embodiment, an electrical socket with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch is provided. The plug actuated switch includes a spring loaded probe, at least one pressurizing spring. The spring loaded probe is embedded into the electrical socket in a vertical position. The first end of the spring loaded probe is connected to at least one pressurizing spring and a first end of a transfer plate and a second end of the spring loaded probe is projected into a neutral wire socket groove of the electrical socket. The second end of the transfer plate is placed near to an AC power supply in a live wire socket groove when both prongs of the plug are inserted into the electrical socket, the spring loaded probe is depressed and the transfer plate is rotated and an electrical contact is established in the live wire socket groove to enable AC power supply to a live wire socket groove due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs into the electrical socket, and the pressurizing spring is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug and the electrical socket by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug into a position inside the electrical socket and enables a plug pin to electrically contact the live wire socket groove of the electrical socket. The pressurizing spring exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

[0015] The spring loaded probe provides pressure to achieve positive electrical engagement of the plug with the socket, while also achieving the switching action. This is a safer socket as the switch button is concealed, and the power does not flow until 2 conducting devices are simultaneously inserted into the socket. This is achieved by using just one probe into the neutral wire groove of the socket. Unlike other market options that have a plastic cover- this reduces cost, hardware and user effort while achieving the same safety.

[0016] The electric socket uses just one probe into the neutral wire groove of the electric socket. If a conductive device/ a plug prong is inserted into the live wire groove only, there may be no current flowing as the probe in the neutral groove is not engaged. While if the conducting device/plug prong is inserted into the neutral groove only, it will actuate the probe, but current will flow to the live wire groove which will be empty. Thus, this electric socket may not conduct electricity unless 2 conductive devices/plug prongs are inserted simultaneously into the grooves of the electrical socket. This is inherently different from existing safety sockets which use 2 separate probes that are placed in both the neutral and live wire grooves. The electric socket achieves improved safety with just one probe, much more efficient and low-cost design.

[0017] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a typical wall mounted socket with an electric switch panel.

[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical socket that enables positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch according to an embodiment herein;

[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket comprising a plug actuated switch placed in a horizontal position of FIG. 2 for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket according to an embodiment herein;

[0022] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of a plug that is partially inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch placed in a horizontal position according to an embodiment herein;

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of a plug that is fully inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch placed in a horizontal position according to an embodiment herein;

[0024] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket according to an embodiment herein;

[0025] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary views of a plug that is partially inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position according to an embodiment herein;

[0026] FIGS. 8 A and 8B illustrate exemplary views of a plug that is fully inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position according to an embodiment herein;

[0027] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary positive engagement electrical socket design used for the experiment;

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket comprising a non- contact proximity switch for enabling power supply between a plug and the electrical socket 202 according to an embodiment herein;

[0029] FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary view of a plug that is partially inserted into the electrical socket comprising a non-contact proximity switch in a horizontal position according to an embodiment herein; and

[0030] FIG. 1 IB illustrates an exemplary view of the plug that is fully inserted into the electrical socket comprising a non-contact proximity switch according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrate in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0032] As mentioned, there remains a need for an electrical socket for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket using a plug actuated switch and for enabling power supply to a device if and only if both the prongs of a plug of the device is inserted into the electric socket without using an electric switch. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 2 through 11B, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an electrical socket that enables positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket 202 using a plug actuated switch according to an embodiment herein. The plug actuated switch includes a spring loaded probe 204 and at least one pressurizing spring. The spring loaded probe 204 is embedded into the electrical socket 202 in a horizontal position. A first end of the spring loaded probe 204 is connected to at least one pressurizing spring and a second end of the spring loaded probe 204 is projected into a neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202. A live wire socket groove 208 of the electrical socket 202 is connected to an electrical contact of the spring loaded probe 204 at the second end. In some embodiments, the spring loaded probe 204 may be of varying shape and size such that it may adapt to a single or combination electrical sockets (e.g. a 3 pin socket, a 5 pin socket, etc.). Further, the spring loaded probe 204 may be made of various materials such as a plastic, a fiber, a metal or a composite construction as long as the first or second end of the spring loaded probe 204 that is protruding into the electrical socket is insulated from the electrical contact.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket 202 comprising a plug actuated switch placed in a horizontal position of FIG. 2 for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket 202 according to an embodiment herein. The plug actuated switch includes the spring loaded probe 204, at least one pressurizing spring 302 and an electrical contact 304. When both prongs of the plug are inserted into the electrical socket 202, the spring loaded probe 204 is actuated and an electrical contact 303 of the spring loaded probe 204 moves towards the electrical contact 304 of the AC power supply. This enables AC power supply 306 to the electrical socket 202 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables a plug pin or plug prong to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 to enable the power supply to the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302 exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N). A size, a shape and/or a material of the pressurizing spring 302 may be subject to vary in order to exert the pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton. In an embodiment, the spring loaded probe 204 further includes an insulated material at the second end that separates the spring loaded probe 204 from the electrical contact 303.

[0035] In an embodiment, the plug actuated switch is provided as an integrated switch within the electrical socket 202. The plug actuated switch is concealed and the plug actuated switch is actuated by the insertion of the plug pins into the electrical socket 202. The power supply may not be enabled to the plug pins unless both the plug pins and plug prongs are inserted into the electrical socket 202 which makes the electrical socket 202 as a safety socket.

[0036] In another embodiment, the pressurizing spring 302 is a spring that changes its shape in response to an external force, returning to its original shape when the force is removed. The energy expended in deforming the pressurizing spring 302 is stored in it and can be recovered when the pressurizing spring 302 returns to its original shape. Generally, the amount of the shape changes of the pressurizing spring 302 is directly related to the amount of force exerted. For example, if a large force is applied, however, the spring may permanently deform and never return to its original shape. The pressurizing spring 302 is made up of metal or a round wire. The round wire may be made of different material types which are divided into different categories such as a high-carbon spring wire, an alloy steel wire, a stainless steel wire, and a more extravagant category such as non-ferrous alloy wire and high-temperature alloy wire. In an embodiment, the pressurizing spring 302 may be a leaf spring, a bellow spring or any suitable spring that exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary view of a plug 402 that is partially inserted into the electrical socket 202 of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a horizontal position according to an embodiment herein. When the plug 402 is partially or not fully inserted into the electrical socket 202, the pressurizing spring 302 is in a relaxed position which enables the spring loaded probe 204 to be projected into the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202, and the plug prongs 404 of the plug 402 are not engaged with the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202. When the plug prongs 404 are not engaged with the live wire socket groove 208, a contact between the electrical contact 303 of the spring loaded probe 204 and the electrical contact 304 of the AC power supply 306 is not established which results in no power supply to the live wire socket groove 208 and to the device.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary view of the plug 402 that is fully inserted into the electrical socket 202 comprising a plug actuated switch placed horizontally of FIG. 2 according to an embodiment herein. When both prongs of the plug 402 are inserted into the electrical socket 202, the spring loaded probe 204 is actuated and the electrical contact 303 of the spring loaded probe 204 moves towards the electrical contact 304 of the AC power supply 306. This enables AC power supply 306 to the live wire socket groove 208 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs 402 into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug 402 and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug 402 into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables a plug pin / plug prongs 404 to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 of the electrical socket 202.

[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position for enabling positive engagement between a plug and the electrical socket according to an embodiment herein. The plug actuated switch includes the spring loaded probe 204, a transfer plate 602 and at least one pressurizing spring 302. The spring loaded probe 204 is embedded into the electrical socket in a vertical position. The first end of the spring loaded probe is connected to at least one of pressurizing spring or a first end of the transfer plate 602 and a second end of the spring loaded probe is projected into a neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202. The second end of the transfer plate 602 is placed near to an AC power supply in a live wire socket groove 208. The live wire socket groove 208 includes the AC power supply 306 and a transfer plate 602 with a pivot that is connected between the AC power supply 306 in the live wire socket groove 208 and the spring loaded probe 204 in the neutral wire socket groove 206. When both prongs of the plug are inserted into the electrical socket 202, the spring loaded probe 204 is depressed and the transfer plate 602 is rotated and an electrical contact is established in the live wire socket groove 208. This enables AC power supply 306 to the electrical socket 202 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables a plug pin or plug prong to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 to enable the power supply to the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302 exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary views of a plug that is partially inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position according to an embodiment herein. When the plug 402 is partially or not fully inserted into the electrical socket 202, the transfer plate 602 is in a straight position which enables the spring loaded probe 204 to be projected into the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202, and the plug prongs 404 of the plug 402 are not engaged with the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202 and the spring loaded probe 204 is not depressed. When the plug prongs 404 are not engaged with the live wire socket groove 208 and the transfer plate 602 is not rotated, an electrical contact of the AC power supply 306 is not established which results in no power supply to the live wire socket groove 208 and to the device.

[0041] FIG. 8 A and 8B illustrate exemplary views of a plug that is fully inserted into the electrical socket of FIG. 2 comprising a plug actuated switch in a vertical position according to an embodiment herein. When both prongs of the plug 402 are inserted into the electrical socket 202, the spring loaded probe 204 is depressed and the transfer plate 602 is rotated and an electrical contact of the AC power supply 306 is established. This enables AC power supply 306 to the live wire socket groove 208 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs 402 into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring 302, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug 402 and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug 402 into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables a plug pin / plug prongs 404 to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 of the electrical socket 202. Experiment:

[0042] Aim: To understand a range and an optimum force value of the at least one pressuring spring that is necessary to achieve robust engagement of the plug with the electrical socket. The optimum force is defined as a force needed to be exerted by the pressuring spring on the plug to sustain three“1 foot” drops of 200g weight attached to the plug, without the plug getting disengaged.

[0043] Design of the electrical socket: FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary positive engagement electrical socket design used for the experiment. The mechanism of achieving variable spring force consists of the pressuring spring mounted on a long screw in series with an adjusting nut 902. As the adjusting nut 902 is tightened, the pressuring spring compresses, hence exerting more and more force onto the plug.

[0044] Apparatus: The positive engagement electrical socket. In exemplary case, the plug that obtains from a lightening equipment. Weights that need to be suspended on the plug.

[0045] Procedure: The plug which has lOOg weight suspended from it is inserted into the electrical socket, with the weight being supported externally. The adjusting nut 902 is rotated by a specific number of turns, hence achieving required spring compression. The lOOg weight is released from a 1 foot drop height for 3 times. The plug is checked for dislodgement. The experiment is repeated with increased spring force if the plug is dislodged. Value of pressuring spring force at which the plug does not disengage is recorded. The experiment is repeated for 200g and 300g suspended weights to sustain 3 drops and 5 drops respectively.

[0046] Observation: Below table shows the pressuring spring force needed for the plug to remain engaged at 3 different suspended weights and for 3 and 5 drops respectively.

Weight (g) 100 200 300

Spring stiffness (kg/mm) 0.6 0.6 0.6

Turns of the nut to sustain 3 1 2 5

drops

Force to sustain 3 drops (N) 7.3575 14.715 36.7875

Spring stiffness (kg/mm) 0.6 0.6 0.6 Turns of the nut to sustain 5 2 4 9 drops

Force to sustain 5 drops (N) 14.715 29.43 66.2175

[0047] Conclusion: The optimum pressuring spring force is thus found out as 15 N to support a load of 200g at the plug. The range of force is considering a factor of safety of 2 for the maximum force and 0.5 for the minimum force is 2N to 140 N.

[0048] FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of the electric socket 202 comprising a non- contact proximity switch 1002 for enabling power supply between a plug and the electrical socket 202 according to an embodiment herein. The non-contact proximity switch 1002 may include a magnetic/induction switch or any other type of non -contact switch. The non-contact proximity switch 1002 includes an electrical contact 304. When both prongs of the plug are fully inserted into the electrical socket 202, the non-contact proximity switch 1002 is actuated and moves towards the electrical contact 304 of the AC power supply. This enables AC power supply 306 to the electrical socket 202 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables a plug pin or plug prong to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 to enable the power supply to the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N). A size, a shape and/or a material of the pressurizing spring may be subject to vary in order to exert the pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton.

[0049] With reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 11A illustrates an exemplary view of a plug 402 that is partially inserted into the electrical socket 202 comprising a non-contact proximity switch 1002 in a horizontal position according to an embodiment herein. When the plug 402 is partially or not fully inserted into the electrical socket 202, the plug prongs 404 of the plug 402 are not engaged with the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202 and the non-contact proximity switch 1002 is disengaged. When the plug prongs 404 are not engaged with the live wire socket groove 208, a contact between the non-contact proximity switch 1002 and the electrical contact 304 of the AC power supply 306 is not established which results in no power supply to the live wire socket groove 208 and to the device.

[0050] With reference to FIG. 10, FIG. 1 IB illustrates an exemplary view of the plug 402 that is fully inserted into the electrical socket 202 comprising a non-contact proximity switch 1002 according to an embodiment herein. When both prongs of the plug 402 are inserted into the electrical socket 202, the plug prongs 404 of the plug 402 are engaged with the neutral wire socket groove 206 of the electrical socket 202 due to spring pressure and the non-contact proximity switch 1002 is engaged. This enables AC power supply to the live wire socket groove 208 due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs 402 into the electrical socket 202. The pressurizing spring, in turn, is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug 402 and the electrical socket 202, by holding the plug firmly pressed against the socket groove. The positive pressure holds the plug 402 into a position inside the electrical socket 202 and enables the plug pin / plug prongs 404 to electrically contact the live wire socket groove 208 of the electrical socket 202.

[0051] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS I/We claim:

1. An electrical socket (202) with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug (402) and the electrical socket (202) using a plug actuated switch,

characterized in that, wherein the plug actuated switch comprises:

a spring loaded probe (204) that is embedded into the electrical socket (202) in a horizontal position, wherein a first end of the spring loaded probe (204) is connected to at least one pressurizing spring (302) and a second end of the spring loaded probe (204) is projected into a neutral wire socket groove (206) of the electrical socket (202);

wherein when both prongs (404) of the plug (402) are inserted into the electrical socket (202), the spring loaded probe (204) is actuated and moves towards an electrical contact (304) of the AC power supply (306) to enable AC power supply (306) to a live wire socket groove (208) due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs (404) into the electrical socket (202), and the pressurizing spring (302) is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug (402) and the electrical socket (202) by holding the plug (402) firmly pressed against the socket groove, wherein the positive pressure holds the plug (402) into a position inside the electrical socket (202) and enables a plug pin (404) to electrically contact the live wire socket groove (208) of the electrical socket (202), wherein the pressurizing spring (302) exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

2. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the spring loaded probe (204) is provided as an integrated switch within the electrical socket (202).

3. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring loaded probe (204) establishes electrical contact with the AC power supply (306) and provide power supply through the electrical socket (202) to a device.

4. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least one of pressurizing spring (302) is vary in size, a shape and/or a material in order to exert the pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton.

5. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring loaded probe (204) comprises an insulated material at the second end that separates the spring loaded probe (204) from the electrical contact (303).

6. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurizing spring (302) is a spring that changes its shape in response to an external force, returning to its original shape when the force is removed.

7. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurizing spring (302) is made up of metal or a round wire, wherein the round wire is made up of different material types which are divided into different categories such as a high-carbon spring wire, an alloy steel wire, a stainless steel wire, and a more extravagant category such as non-ferrous alloy wire and high- temperature alloy wire.

8. The electrical socket (202) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurizing spring (302) is a leaf spring, a bellow spring or any suitable spring that exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).

9. An electrical socket (202) with improved safety for enabling positive engagement between a plug (402) and the electrical socket (202) using a plug actuated switch,

characterized in that, wherein the plug actuated switch comprises:

a spring loaded probe (204) that is embedded into the electrical socket (202) in a vertical position, wherein a first end of the spring loaded probe (204) is connected to at least one pressurizing spring (302) and a first end of a transfer plate (602) and a second end of the spring loaded probe (204) is projected into a neutral wire socket groove (206) of the electrical socket (202), wherein a second end of the transfer plate (602) is placed near to a AC power supply (306) in a live wire socket groove (208);

wherein when both prongs (404) of the plug (402) are inserted into the electrical socket (202), the spring loaded probe (204) is depressed and the transfer plate (602) is rotated and an electrical contact is established in the live wire socket groove (208) to enable AC power supply (306) to a live wire socket groove (208) due to a pressure exerted by the insertion of plug prongs (404) into the electrical socket (202), and the pressurizing spring (302) is compressed which in turn exerts a positive pressure to enable a positive engagement between the plug (402) and the electrical socket (202) by holding the plug (402) firmly pressed against the socket groove, wherein the positive pressure holds the plug (402) into a position inside the electrical socket (202) and enables a plug pin (404) to electrically contact the live wire socket groove (208) of the electrical socket (202), wherein the pressurizing spring (302) exerts a pressure that ranges from 2 to 140 Newton (N).