US 2019/0356097 A1 · ELECTRONICALLY ACTUATED RETAINING LATCH FOR AC-DC ADAPTER REMOVABLE PLUG ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A power adapter has a solenoid actuated retaining latch controlled by an electronic circuit that detects the presence or absence of AC mains voltage. When the assembled AC-DC adapter and plug assembly are removed from the wall, the latch detects removal and unlocks the plug assembly for easy removal without undue force required by the user. The circuit is designed for minimal power consumption, and the solenoid only consumes power when it is engaging or disengaging the latch.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A power adapter kit comprising:

an adapter base;
and
plural plug connectors each removably mechanically and electrically engageable with the adapter base,
the adapter base including an electromagnetic latching mechanism that detects when current is applied to a plug connector engaged with the adapter base and selectively mechanically latches said plug connector to the adapter base in response to the detection.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

15/983,860Filed 18 May 2018

Published

21 Nov 2019

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification5 codes

H01R 31/06
Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart: intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
H01R 13/6205
Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement: two-part coupling devices held in…
H01R 27/00
Coupling parts adapted for co-operation with two or more dissimilar counterparts
H01R 31/065
Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter: with built-in electric apparatus

Electronically actuated retaining latch for ac-dc adapter removable plug assembly

Life of this patent

Electronically actuated retaining latch for ac-dc adapter removable plug assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18