PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9331441-B2
Application Number: US-201414484145-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Power adapter with retractable prongs

Abstract:
An electrical power adapter has first and second prongs that are retractable and deployable. When the prongs are in the deployed position the adapter may be mated with a receptacle and when in the retracted position the adapter has a reduced physical size. A linkage couples the first prong to the second prongs such that the first and second prongs retract and deploy simultaneously. An actuation mechanism causes the prongs to have a first detent in the deployed position and a second detent in the retracted position.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A power adapter comprising:
 an adapter housing; 
 a first retractable prong coupled to a first rotatable shaft within the housing such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet; 
 a second retractable prong coupled to a second rotatable shaft within the housing such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet; 
 a linkage connected to the first rotatable shaft and to the second rotatable shaft such that when the first retractable prong is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, the second retractable prong is simultaneously pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position; 
 a first crank connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second crank connected to the second rotatable shaft; and 
 one or more springs connected to the first and the second cranks. 
 
     
     
       2. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration. 
     
     
       3. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration formed into a clevis. 
     
     
       4. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the linkage includes one or more flexible belts. 
     
     
       5. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the first rotatable shaft and the second rotatable shaft have a first detent position aligned with the retracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. 
     
     
       6. The power adapter of  claim 5  wherein the one or more springs includes a tension spring. 
     
     
       7. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the first crank and the second crank rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. 
     
     
       8. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein the first crank and the second crank are oriented such that a distance between a first pin disposed in the first crank and a second pin disposed in the second crank is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is when the power adapter is at an inflection point between the retracted and deployed positions. 
     
     
       9. The power adapter of  claim 1  wherein an electrical contact is preloaded against the second shaft such that the electrical contact is always in contact with the second shaft when the power adapter transitions between the deployed and retracted positions. 
     
     
       10. A collapsible power adapter comprising:
 a housing; 
 a first retractable prong configured to rotate about a first shaft and a pair of second retractable prongs configured to rotate about a second shaft, wherein the first and the second shafts are affixed to the housing; 
 a linkage coupling the first retractable prong to the pair of second retractable prongs such that when the first retractable prong is rotated towards the housing the pair of second retractable prongs simultaneously rotate towards the housing in an opposite direction of the first retractable prong; and 
 an actuation mechanism coupled to the first retractable prong or the pair of second retractable prongs such that the first retractable prong or the pair of second retractable prongs self-actuate to a retracted position or a deployed position; 
 wherein the first shaft has a first crank with a first tension spring attachment point and the second shaft has a second crank with a second tension spring attachment point. 
 
     
     
       11. The collapsible power adapter of  claim 10  wherein the actuation mechanism includes one or more tension springs. 
     
     
       12. The collapsible power adapter of  claim 10  wherein first and second cranks are oriented such that a distance between the first crank spring attachment point and the second crank spring attachment point is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is when the power adapter is at an inflection point between the retracted and deployed positions. 
     
     
       13. The power adapter of  claim 10  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration. 
     
     
       14. The power adapter of  claim 10  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration formed into a clevis. 
     
     
       15. The power adapter of  claim 10  wherein an electrical contact is preloaded against the second shaft such that the electrical contact is always in contact with the second shaft when the power adapter transitions between the deployed and retracted positions. 
     
     
       16. A power adapter comprising:
 an adapter housing; 
 a first retractable prong coupled to a first rotatable shaft hub within the housing such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet; 
 a second retractable prong coupled to a second rotatable shaft hub within the housing such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet; and 
 a linkage connected to the first rotatable shaft hub with a first pin that is axially offset from a first rotatable shaft axis and connected to the second rotatable shaft hub with a second pin that is axially offset from a second rotatable shaft axis such that when the first retractable prong is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, the second retractable prong is simultaneously pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position; 
 a first crank connected to the first rotatable shaft hub and a second crank connected to the second rotatable shaft hub; and 
 a tension spring connected between the first and the second cranks. 
 
     
     
       17. The power adapter of  claim 16  further comprising an actuation mechanism causing the first rotatable shaft and the second rotatable shaft to have a first detent position aligned with the retracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. 
     
     
       18. The power adapter of  claim 16  wherein the first crank and the second crank are oriented such that a distance between a first pin disposed in the first crank and a second pin disposed in the second crank is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is when the power adapter is at an inflection point between the retracted and deployed positions, and the tension spring is connected between the first and second pins. 
     
     
       19. The power adapter of  claim 16  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration. 
     
     
       20. The power adapter of  claim 16  wherein the linkage is a planar quadrilateral configuration formed into a clevis.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/013,437, filed Jun. 17, 2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The described embodiments relate generally to electrical power adapters. More particularly, the present embodiments relate to electrical power adapters for use with standard alternating current (AC) power sockets employed in residential and commercial buildings. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electrical power adapters are used for a wide variety of applications, facilitating the supply of electrical power to a myriad of electronic devices including smart-phones, media players, and other personal electronic systems. 
     As smart-phones, media players, and other electronic systems become more compact, a limiting factor on the size of the package in which the systems are shipped and sold may be the size of the electrical power adapter used to charge the electronic system. As an example, a portable media player may be packaged along with a BS1363 (Type G) electrical power adapter, used in the United Kingdom, where the media player is actually smaller than the electrical power adapter. Such large power adapters may therefore contribute to increased shipping costs for the electrical systems and may also be difficult for the user to conveniently store and transport. 
     New electrical power adapters may require new features to reduce their physical size, enabling reduced shipping costs and added convenience for the user. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the invention pertain to electrical power adapters for use with a variety of electronic devices. In some embodiments, an electrical power adapter according to the invention includes collapsible prongs configured to provide reduced size and improved usability. A reduction in size allows for a reduction in total packaging, which may enable lower packaging and/or shipping costs. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention relate to improved electrical power adapters having retractable prongs that can be inserted into an electrical outlet. The prongs can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the retractable prongs are positioned adjacent to the adapter housing, to a deployed position in which the retractable prongs extend away from the adapter housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. In one embodiment a first retractable prong is coupled to a first rotatable shaft within the housing such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from the retracted position, to the deployed position, while a second retractable prong may be coupled to a second rotatable shaft within the housing such that the second retractable prong can also be pivoted from a retracted position to a deployed position. 
     Further embodiments may include a linkage having a first portion connected to the first rotatable shaft and a second portion connected to the second rotatable shaft and configured to transfer force such that when the first retractable prong is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, the second retractable prong is simultaneously pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position. 
     In some embodiments the linkage may comprise a planar quadrilateral linkage with a clevis-type configuration such that it may be attached to two second retractable prongs. In other embodiments the linkage may comprise a pin and slot configuration while still other embodiments may employ a belt-type linkage. 
     Further embodiments may comprise an actuation mechanism that may cause the first rotatable shaft and the second rotatable shaft to have a first detent position aligned with the retracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. In yet further embodiments, the actuation mechanism may include one or more tension springs that cause the power adapter to self-actuate between the first detent position and the second detent position. 
     In other embodiments the actuation mechanism may comprise one or more cantilever springs. One particular embodiment employs a magnetic actuation mechanism positioned within the adapter housing and operatively coupled to rotate the retractable prongs between the retracted position and the deployed position. The magnetic actuation mechanism includes first and second driver magnets spaced a first axial distance apart that interact with first and second driven magnets attached to the first rotatable shaft. The magnetic actuation mechanism is axially displaced by the user from a first position in which the first driver magnet is adjacent to the first driven magnet and the second driver magnet is displaced from the second driven magnet, to a second position in which the second driver magnet is adjacent to the second driven magnet and the first driver magnet is displaced from the first driven magnet. The driver and driven magnets are operatively coupled such that when the magnetic drive mechanism moves from the first position to the second position, the retractable prong is pivoted to the retracted position, and when the magnetic drive mechanism moves from the second position to the first position the retractable prong is pivoted to the deployed position. 
     To better understand the nature and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the following description and the accompanying figures. It is to be understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the scope of the present invention. Also, as a general rule, and unless it is evident to the contrary from the description, where elements in different figures use identical reference numbers, the elements are generally either identical or at least similar in function or purpose. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a collapsible power adapter in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 1  transitioning between a deployed position and a retracted position; 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of a collapsible power adapter in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 1  having a quadrilateral linkage and a tension spring actuation mechanism in a deployed position with a portion of the housing removed; 
         FIG. 5  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 4  in a deployed position; 
         FIG. 6  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 4  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 7  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a quadrilateral linkage in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 7  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 9  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a pin and slot linkage in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 9  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 11  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a flexible belt linkage in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 11  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 13  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a pin and slot linkage and a tension spring actuation mechanism in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 13  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 15  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a quadrilateral linkage and a cantilever spring actuation mechanism in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a left side plan view of the collapsible power adapter shown in  FIG. 15  in a retracted position; 
         FIG. 17  is a right side perspective view of a collapsible power adapter having a flexible belt linkage and a magnetic actuation mechanism in a deployed position according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a left side plan view of a collapsible power adapter having a modified tension spring and dual electrical contacts according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to one preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the appended claims. 
     Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to electrical power adapters. While the present invention can be useful for a wide variety of electrical power adapters, some embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for electrical power adapters with collapsible prongs, as described in more detail below. 
     Many electronic devices such as smart-phones, media players, and tablet computers have electrical power adapters that facilitate battery charging. As an example, a three prong power adapter  100  compatible with the BS1363 (Type G) standard in the United Kingdom is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Power adapter  100  has three rectangular prongs forming an isosceles triangle and extending away from housing  102 . Line and neutral prongs  105  are approximately 4 mm by 8 mm and 17.7 mm long, on centers spaced 22.2 mm apart. Earth prong  110  is approximately 4 mm by 8 mm and 22.7 mm long. In other embodiments power adapters having prongs of different physical shapes and dimensions may be used. 
     In this embodiment, prongs  105 ,  110  may be rotatably retractable.  FIG. 2  illustrates prongs  105 ,  110  in a partially retracted position.  FIG. 3  illustrates prongs  105 ,  110  in a fully retracted position where they are adjacent housing  102 . Further, in  FIG. 3 , prongs  105 ,  110  are stowed within line and neutral slots  115  and earth slot  120 , respectively. Thus, power adapter  100  has reduced physical size in  FIG. 3  where prongs  105 ,  110  are in the retracted position, rotated approximately 90 degrees, as compared to  FIG. 1  where the prongs are in the deployed position. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, pivot point  198  for line and neutral retractable prongs  105  is proximate a first end  180  of line and neutral slots  115  while pivot point  199  for earth prong  110  is proximate an end of earth slot  120  opposite the first end  180  of the line and neutral slots. Thus, in some embodiments, line and neutral prongs  105  may pivot in an opposite direction as ground prong  110 . More specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , when transitioning from the deployed position to the retracted position, line and neutral prongs  105  may pivot up while ground prong  110  may pivot down. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a rear isometric view of power adapter  400  with a portion of housing  402  removed, showing the internal construction of an embodiment.  FIGS. 5 and 6  show the embodiment of  FIG. 4  in the deployed position and the retracted position, respectively. The following discussion will simultaneously reference  FIGS. 4 through 6 . 
     Power adapter  400  includes a first retractable prong  405  and a pair of second retractable prongs  415  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ). Housing  402  can be similar to housing  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and may include slots (not shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ) similar to slots  115 ,  120  to hide prongs  405 ,  415  in a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . First retractable prong  405  is coupled to a first rotatable shaft  410  within housing  402  such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. Second retractable prong  415  is coupled to a second rotatable shaft  420  within housing  402  such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. In some embodiments, second retractable prong  415  may comprise two adjacent prongs (i.e., a pair of retractable prongs) where each second retractable prong may have a separate rotatable shaft (i.e., a pair of second rotatable shafts). In some embodiments the pair of second rotatable shafts may be axially aligned as illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . 
     A linkage  425  having a first portion  430  connected to first rotatable shaft  410  and second portion  435  connected to second rotatable shaft  420  transfers force such that when first retractable prong  405  is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, second retractable prong  415  is simultaneously pivoted in the opposite direction from the retracted position to the deployed position. In some embodiments, linkage  425  may be coupled to first and second rotatable shafts  410 ,  420  respectively through portions of first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively. In this embodiment, linkage  425  is a planar quadrilateral configuration formed into a clevis such that it may be attached to two second retractable prongs  415 . Linkage  425  will be described in more detail below. Other types of linkages are within the scope of this disclosure and may be employed in other embodiments. In further embodiments linkage  425  may be connected to a pair of second rotatable shafts. 
     In some embodiments, power adapter  400  may further comprise an actuation mechanism  440  causing first rotatable shaft  410  and second rotatable shaft  420  to have a first detent position aligned with the retracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. As defined herein, a detent position is a point of relative stability or “equilibrium” in the system where the system resists movement. In one embodiment, actuation mechanism  440  may include one or more tension springs  445  that cause power adapter  400  to be relatively unstable between the first detent position and the second detent position such that first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively, may self-actuate between the two detent positions. That is, when a user rotates first retractable prong  405  from the deployed position towards the retracted position, actuation mechanism  440  may cause first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively to self-actuate (i.e., “snap”) to the refracted position. As used herein, self-actuate shall mean that the mechanism is relatively unstable between the first and second detent positions such that when it is in-between the two detent positions it will self-actuate (i.e., move under its own power) towards one or the other points of equilibrium. 
     Similarly, when a user rotates first retractable prong  405  from the retracted position towards the deployed position, actuation mechanism  440  may cause first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively to self-actuate to the deployed position. Further, actuation mechanism  440  may cause first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively, to be restrained (i.e., in a detent position) in the retracted position and the deployed position such that they must be purposefully moved from the detent positions by a user. In some embodiments, restraining first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively, in the deployed position may enable a user to easily insert and remove power adapter  400  from a receptacle connector. Similarly, restraining first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively, in the retracted position may enable the retractable prongs to remain in the retracted position during transport. In some embodiments, first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively, may have hard stops that stop them from moving beyond the retracted position and/or beyond the deployed position. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 through 6 , tension springs  445  may be connected to first rotatable shaft  410  by first crank  450  and to second rotatable shaft  420  by second crank  455 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first crank  450  and second crank  455  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. To create first and second detent positions, first and second cranks  450 ,  455  may be oriented such that the distance between a first pin  460  and a second pin  465  is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is in between the retracted and deployed positions. That is, tension spring  445  may be stretched more when in between the retracted and deployed positions such that first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 , respectively will be relatively unstable between the retracted and deployed positions and will self-actuate between the two positions, forcing the first and second retractable prongs against the hard stops. 
     As defined herein, the precise position in-between the retracted and deployed positions where the mechanism is bi-stable (i.e., the mechanism is unstable and on the verge of self-actuating to either the retracted or the deployed positions) shall be called the inflection point of the mechanism. Thus, if the mechanism is on the retracted side of the inflection point it will self-actuate towards the retracted position and if it is on the deployed side of the inflection point it will self-actuate towards the deployed position. More specifically, the inflection point is the precise location where the transition from actuating from the retracted position to the deployed position occurs. The inflection point may be designed to be at any location between the retracted and deployed positions. In one embodiment the inflection point may be centered between the retracted and deployed positions (e.g., at a rotation of first crank  450  of 45 degrees). In other embodiments the inflection point may be closer to the retracted position such that the deployed position is more stable and the mechanism doesn&#39;t actuate if a user misses the outlet with the plug and moves first and second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 . In one embodiment the inflection point is located between 14 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position of first crank  450 . In another embodiment the inflection point is located between 24 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position. In a further embodiment the inflection point is located between 34 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position. 
     As discussed above, linkage  425  may be a planar quadrilateral linkage. Planar quadrilateral linkages have four rotating joints and four linkage members. As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , first portion  430  of linkage  425  may be coupled to first rotatable shaft  410  with first hub pin  470  to first rotatable shaft hub  475 . Similarly, second portion  435  of linkage  425  may be coupled to second rotatable shaft  420  with a second hub pin  480  to second rotatable shaft hub  485 . Thus, the four rotating joints are first rotatable shaft  410 , first hub pin  470 , second rotatable shaft  420  and second hub pin  480 . 
     First hub pin  470  may be axially offset from first rotatable shaft  410  axis of rotation such that first portion  430  of linkage  425  does not interfere with the first rotatable shaft when transitioning between the retracted and the deployed positions. Similarly, second hub pin  480  may be axially offset from second rotatable shaft  420  axis of rotation such that second portion  435  of linkage  425  does not interfere with the second rotatable shaft when transitioning between the retracted and the deployed positions. Thus, the four linkage members are the housing that is disposed between first rotatable shaft  410  and second rotatable shaft  420 , the offset between first rotatable shaft  410  and first hub pin  470 , the offset between second rotatable shaft  420  and second hub pin  480 , and linkage  425 . 
     Second portion  435  of linkage  425  may be formed into a clevis and coupled to a pair of second retractable prongs  415  such the pair of retractable prongs move together. The clevis is a U-shaped member that has holes at the end to accept second hub pin  480 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6  there may be two second hub pins  480 , one for each second retractable prong  415 . In other embodiments, there may only be a single second hub pin  480  that connects to both second retractable prongs  415 . In further embodiments, first portion  430  of linkage  425  may also be formed into a clevis and coupled to a first retractable prong  405  with first rotatable shaft hub  475 . In other embodiments, first portion  430  of linkage  425  may not be a clevis and may have only a single member attached to first rotatable shaft hub  475 . 
     Some embodiments and configurations of the power adapters disclosed herein may include either a linkage or an actuation mechanism, or both. Further, some embodiments may employ different linkage and/or actuation mechanisms than those illustrated herein. The different linkage and actuation mechanisms may be used interchangeably and in different combinations as discussed in more detail below. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 7 and 8  that illustrate an embodiment of power adapter  700  in the deployed position, and the retracted position, respectively. Power adapter  700  may be similar to power adapter  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . More specifically, power adapter  700  may employ a quadrilateral linkage mechanism having four rotating joints and four linkage members. The linkage mechanism may include a pair of parallel bars instead of using a clevis. 
     First retractable prong  705  is coupled to a first rotatable shaft (not shown) within housing  702  such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. In some embodiments second retractable prong  715  may comprise two adjacent prongs. Second retractable prong  715  is coupled to a second rotatable shaft (not shown) within housing  702  such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. 
     Linkage  725  has a first portion  730  connected to first rotatable shaft (not shown) and second portion  735  connected to second rotatable shaft (not shown). More specifically, first portion  730  of linkage  725  may be coupled to first rotatable shaft (not shown) with a first pin  770  to first crank  750 . Similarly, second portion  735  of linkage  725  may be coupled to second rotatable shaft (not shown) with a second pin  780  to second crank  755 . Linkage  725  transfers force such that when first retractable prong  705  is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, second retractable prong  715  is simultaneously pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position. In this embodiment linkage  725  is a planar quadrilateral linkage with a dual-bar configuration such that it may be attached to a pair of second retractable prongs  415 . More specifically, in some embodiments there may be two linkages  725  such that two second retractable prongs  715  may be actuated. However, other types of linkages are within the scope of this disclosure and may be employed in further embodiments. 
     As illustrated, first crank  750  and second crank  755  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. First pin  770  may be axially offset from first rotatable shaft (not shown) such that first portion  730  of linkage  725  does not interfere with the first rotatable shaft when transitioning between the retracted and the deployed positions. 
     Similarly, second pin  780  may be axially offset from second rotatable shaft (not shown) axis of rotation such that second portion  735  of linkage  725  does not interfere with the second rotatable shaft when transitioning between the retracted and the deployed positions. Second portion  735  of linkage  725  may be similarly connected to a pair of second retractable prongs  715  such the pair of retractable prongs move together. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  show an embodiment of power adapter  900 , in the deployed position and the retracted position, respectively. The following discussion will simultaneously reference  FIGS. 9 and 10 . Power adapter  900  has a pin and slot linkage mechanism  925  that may be used in some embodiments. 
     Power adapter  900  includes a first retractable prong  905  and a pair of second retractable prongs  915  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 9-10 ). Housing  902  can be similar to housing  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and may include slots (not shown in  FIGS. 4-6 ) similar to slots  115 ,  120  to hide prongs  905 ,  915  in a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . First retractable prong  905  is coupled to a first rotatable shaft (not shown) within housing  902  such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. In some embodiments second retractable prong  915  may comprise two adjacent prongs. Second retractable prong  915  is coupled to a second rotatable shaft (not shown) within housing  902  such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. 
     Linkage  925  has a first portion  930  connected to first rotatable shaft (not shown) and second portion  935  connected to second rotatable shaft (not shown) and transfers force such that when first retractable prong  905  is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, second retractable prong  915  is simultaneously pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position. In this embodiment linkage  925  is a pin and slot type with a dual-bar configuration such that it may be attached to a pair of second retractable prongs  915 . More specifically, there may be two linkages  925  such that two second retractable prongs  915  may be actuated. However, other types of linkages are within the scope of this disclosure and may be employed in other embodiments. 
     First portion  930  of linkage  925  may be coupled to first rotatable shaft (not shown) with a first pin  970  on a first crank  950 . First pin  970  may be disposed in first slot  990  of linkage  925 . Similarly, second portion  935  of linkage  925  may be coupled to second rotatable shaft (not shown) with a second pin  980  on a second crank  955 . Second pin  980  may be disposed in second slot  995  of linkage  925 . As illustrated, first crank  950  and second crank  955  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. As further illustrated in  FIG. 9 , linkage  925  may be in a first position (shown in  FIG. 9  as a “left-most” position) where first and second pins  970 ,  980 , respectively slide in first and second slots,  990 ,  995 , respectively forcing first and second retractable prongs  905 ,  915 , respectively to be in a deployed position. As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , linkage  925  may be in a second position (shown in  FIG. 10  as a “right-most” position) where first and second pins  970 ,  980 , respectively slide in first and second slots,  990 ,  995 , respectively forcing first and second retractable prongs  905 ,  915 , respectively to be in a retracted position. In some embodiments, linkage  925  may have one or more guides that maintain the linkage in an approximately vertical alignment and don&#39;t allow the beam to rotate in plane, as it&#39;s illustrated in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . More specifically, in some embodiments linkage  925  may be constrained to left and right translation only. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate an embodiment of power adapter  1100 , in the deployed position and the retracted position, respectively. The following discussion will simultaneously reference  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Power adapter  1100  has a flexible band linkage  1125  mechanism that may be used in some embodiments. 
     Power adapter  1100  includes a first retractable prong  1105  and a pair of second retractable prongs  1115  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 11-12 ). Housing  1102  can be similar to housing  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and may include slots (not shown in  FIGS. 11-12 ) similar to slots  115 ,  120  to hide prongs  1105 ,  1115  in a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . First retractable prong  1105  is coupled to a first rotatable shaft  1110  within housing  1102  such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the first retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the first retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. In some embodiments second retractable prong  1115  may comprise two adjacent prongs. Second retractable prong  1115  is coupled to a second rotatable shaft  1120  within housing  1102  such that the second retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position in which the second retractable prong is positioned adjacent to the housing, to a deployed position in which the second retractable prong extends away from the housing, and can be inserted into an electrical outlet. 
     Linkage  1125  has a first portion  1130  connected to first rotatable shaft  1110  and a second portion  1135  connected to second rotatable shaft  1120  and is configured to transfer force such that when first retractable prong  1105  is pivoted from the retracted position to the deployed position, second retractable prong  1115  is simultaneously pivoted in the opposite direction from the retracted position to the deployed position. 
     In some embodiments, linkage  1125  may comprise one or more flexible bands  1126 . First portion  1130  of linkage  1125  may be coupled to first rotatable shaft  1110  with first retention feature  1170 . Similarly, second portion  1135  of linkage  1125  may be coupled to second rotatable shaft  1120  with second retention feature  1180 . First and second retention features  1170 ,  1180 , respectively may be slots in first and second rotatable shafts  1110 ,  1120 , respectively. Flexible bands  1126  may be secured with a wedge, a screw, adhesive or any other means. Flexible bands  1126  may be partially wrapped around first and second rotatable shafts  1110 ,  1120 , respectively. In other embodiments, there may only be one flexible band  1126  with no retention features. As illustrated, first rotatable shaft  1110  and second rotatable shaft  1120  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. As further illustrated in  FIG. 11 , linkage  1125  may be in a first position such that when first retractable prong is moved downwards, first rotatable shaft  1110  rotates counterclockwise. Flexible band  1126  may be configured to reverse the rotation direction causing second rotatable shaft  1120  to rotate clockwise and second retractable prong  1115  to retract. That is, flexible band  1126  may be formed in a figure-eight shape as illustrated, as opposed to an elongated O-shape shape which would not reverse the rotation direction. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  show an embodiment of power adapter  1300 , in the deployed position and the retracted position, respectively. The following discussion will simultaneously reference  FIGS. 13 and 14 . Power adapter  1300  has a tension spring actuation mechanism  1340  that may be used in some embodiments. 
     Power adapter  1300  includes a first retractable prong  1305  and a pair of second retractable prongs  1315  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 13-14 ). Housing  1302  can be similar to housing  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and may include slots (not shown in  FIGS. 13-14 ) similar to slots  115 ,  120  to hide prongs  1305 ,  1315  in a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Linkage  1325  may be similar to the pin and slot linkage mechanism employed in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . However, in this embodiment an actuation mechanism  1340  may also be employed, causing first rotatable shaft (not shown) and second rotatable shaft (not shown) to have a first detent position aligned with the refracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. In further embodiments, actuation mechanism  1340  may include first and second tension springs  1345 ,  1346 , respectively, that cause power adapter  1300  to be relatively unstable between the first detent position and the second detent position such that the first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively, may self-actuate between the two detent positions. That is, when a user rotates first retractable prong  1305  from the deployed position towards the retracted position, actuation mechanism  1340  may cause first retractable prong  1305  and second retractable prong  1315  to self-actuate (i.e., “snap”) to the retracted position. 
     Similarly, when a user rotates first retractable prong  1305  from the retracted position towards the deployed position, actuation mechanism  1340  may cause first retractable prong  1305  and second retractable prong  1315  to self-actuate to the deployed position. Further, actuation mechanism  1340  may cause first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively, to be restrained in the retracted position and the deployed position such that they must be purposefully moved from the detent positions by a user. In some embodiments, restraining first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively, in the deployed position may enable a user to easily insert and remove power adapter  1300  from a receptacle connector. Similarly, restraining first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively, in the retracted position may enable the retractable prongs to remain in the retracted position during transport. In some embodiments, first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively, may have hard stops that do not allow them to move beyond the retracted and/or the deployed positions. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , first tension spring  1345  may be connected between a first pin  1370  and a first spring attachment point  1360 . First pin  1370  may be mounted on first crank  1350  and coupled to first rotatable shaft (not shown). Similarly, second tension spring  1346  may be connected between a second pin  1380  and a second spring attachment point  1365 . Second pin  1380  may be mounted on second crank  1355  and coupled to second rotatable shaft (not shown). As further illustrated, first crank  1350  and second crank  1355  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. To create first and second detent positions, first crank  1350  may be oriented such that the distance between first pin  1370  and first spring attachment point  1360  is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is in between the retracted and deployed positions. 
     Similarly, second crank  1355  may be oriented such that the distance between second pin  1380  and second spring attachment point  1365  is shorter in the retracted and deployed positions than it is in between the retracted and deployed positions. That is, first and second tension springs  1345 ,  1346 , respectively, may be stretched more when in between the retracted and deployed positions such that first and second retractable prongs  1305 ,  1315 , respectively will be relatively unstable between the retracted and deployed positions and will self-actuate between the two positions, forcing the first and second retractable prongs against hard stops. More specifically, the retracted and deployed positions may be “over center” positions for first and second cranks  1350 ,  1355 , respectively, where the first and second cranks will self-actuate to either the retracted or the deployed position and be held there by the tension in first and second tension springs  1345 ,  1346 , respectively. In some embodiments, linkage  1325  may have one or more guides that maintain the linkage in an approximately vertical alignment and don&#39;t allow the beam to rotate in plane, as it&#39;s illustrated in  FIGS. 13 and 14 . More specifically, in some embodiments linkage  1325  may be constrained to left and right translation only. 
     As discussed above, the inflection point for the mechanism may be designed to be at any location between the retracted and deployed positions. In one embodiment the inflection point may be centered between the retracted and deployed positions (e.g., at a rotation of first crank  1350  of 45 degrees). In other embodiments the inflection point may be closer to the retracted position. In one embodiment the inflection point is located between 14 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position of first crank  1350 . In another embodiment the inflection point is located between 24 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position. In a further embodiment the inflection point is located between 34 degrees and 44 degrees from the retracted position. 
       FIGS. 15 and 16  show an embodiment of power adapter  1500 , in the deployed position and the retracted position, respectively. The following discussion will simultaneously reference  FIGS. 15 and 16 . Power adapter  1500  has a cantilever spring actuation mechanism  1540  that may be used in some embodiments. 
     Power adapter  1500  includes a first retractable prong  1505  and a pair of second retractable prongs  1515  (only one of which is shown in  FIGS. 15-16 ). Housing  1502  can be similar to housing  102  shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and may include slots (not shown in  FIGS. 15-16 ) similar to slots  115 ,  120  to hide prongs  1505 ,  1515  in a retracted position as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 . Linkage  1525  may be similar to the planar quadrilateral clevis-type linkage mechanism employed in  FIGS. 4 through 6 . However, in this embodiment a cantilever spring actuation mechanism  1540  may be employed, causing first rotatable shaft (not shown) and second rotatable shaft (not shown) to have a first detent position aligned with the retracted position and a second detent position aligned with the deployed position. In further embodiments, actuation mechanism  1540  may include first and second cantilever springs  1545 ,  1546 , respectively, that cause power adapter  1500  to be relatively unstable between the first detent position and the second detent position such that first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively, may self-actuate between the two detent positions. That is, when a user rotates first retractable prong  1505  from the deployed position towards the retracted position, actuation mechanism  1540  may cause first retractable prong  1505  and second retractable prong  1515  to self-actuate (i.e., “snap”) to the retracted position. 
     Similarly, when a user rotates first retractable prong  1505  from the retracted position towards the deployed position, actuation mechanism  1540  may cause first retractable prong  1505  and second retractable prong  1515  to self-actuate to the deployed position. Further, actuation mechanism  1540  may cause first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively, to be restrained (i.e., in a detent position) in the retracted position and the deployed position such that they must be purposefully moved from the positions by a user. In some embodiments, restraining first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively, in the deployed position may enable a user to easily insert and remove power adapter  1500  from a receptacle connector. Similarly, restraining first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively, in the retracted position may enable the retractable prongs to remain in the retracted position during transport. In some embodiments, first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively, may have hard stops that that do not allow them to move beyond the retracted and/or the deployed positions. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , first cantilever spring  1545  may be have an attachment end  1548  and an opposite end  1549  placed against first cam  1550  such that first retractable prong  1505  is restrained in the deployed position. Further, when transitioning to the retracted position (see  FIG. 16 ) first cantilever spring  1545  may be deflected, applying a resistive force against first cam  1550 . Thus, when transitioning from the retracted position to the deployed position, first cantilever spring  1545  may self-actuate when it gets near the deployed position, “snapping” first and second retractable prongs  1505 ,  1515 , respectively into the deployed position. 
     As further illustrated, second cantilever spring  1546  may be placed against second cam  1555  such that second retractable prong  1515  is restrained in the deployed and retracted positions. Second cantilever spring  1546  may have a discontinuity  1547  that interacts with second cam  1555  such that when second cam is in the deployed or retracted position, the second cam is restrained (i.e., in a detent). As further illustrated, first cam  1550  and second cam  1555  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. 
     In further embodiments, power adapter  1500  may be equipped with one or more electrical contacts  1599  that conduct through first or second shafts (not shown). Electrical contact  1599  may be preloaded against second shaft (not shown) such that the electrical contact is always in contact with the second shaft when transitioning between the deployed and retracted positions. Second shaft and second retractable prong  1505  may be made of electrically conductive materials that allow current to pass through electrical contact  1599  to second retractable prong  1515 . In some embodiments there may be a pair of second retractable prongs  1515  and each may have a separate electrical contact. Similarly, an electrical contact may be used for first shaft (not shown) and first retractable prong  1505 . 
       FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of power adapter  1700 , in the deployed position with a portion of housing  1702  removed, showing the internal construction. Power adapter  1700  has a magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  that may be used in some embodiments. 
     First retractable prong  1705  is coupled to first rotatable shaft  1710  within housing  1702  such that the first retractable prong can be pivoted from a retracted position to a deployed position. Magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  is positioned within housing  1702  and is operatively coupled to rotate first retractable prong  1705  between the retracted position and the deployed position. Magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  includes a first driver magnet  1745  and a second driver magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ). A first driven magnet  1746  and a second driven magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) are attached to first rotatable shaft  1710 . 
     An actuator (not shown) such as a depressible button or a slide, for example, may be operatively coupled to magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  to axially move the magnetic drive mechanism from a first position in which first driver magnet  1745  is adjacent first driven magnet  1746  and second driver magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) is displaced from second driven magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ), to a second position in which the second driver magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) is adjacent to the second driven magnet (not shown in  FIG. 17 ) and the first driver magnet is displaced from the first driven magnet. These configurations and others are illustrated in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/260,090. Magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  may have one or more slides  1747  that enable the actuation mechanism to move in a rectilinear motion without rotating. Magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  may be magnetically coupled to first rotatable shaft  1710  such that when the magnetic actuation mechanism moves from the first position to the second position, first retractable prong  1705  is pivoted to the retracted position and when the magnetic actuation mechanism moves from the second position to the first position the first retractable prong is pivoted to the deployed position. Magnetic actuation mechanism  1740  is further described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/260,090 filed on Apr. 23, 2014 and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       FIG. 17  also illustrates first rotatable shaft  1710  operably coupled to second rotatable shaft  1720  with a flexible belt linkage  1725 , similar to that illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 . One or more flexible belts  1726  transfer rotational motion from first rotatable shaft  1710  to second rotatable shaft  1720 , such that when first retractable prong  1705  moves between the retracted position and the deployed position, second retractable prong  1715  similarly moves between the retracted position and the deployed position. As illustrated, first rotatable shaft  1710  and second rotatable shaft  1720  may rotate approximately 90 degrees between the retracted position and the deployed position. 
     Reference is now made to  FIG. 18  that illustrates an embodiment of power adapter  1800  in the deployed position. Power adapter  1800  may be similar to power adapter  400  illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 . More specifically, power adapter  1800  may employ a tension spring mechanism to actuate the power adapter. However, in this embodiment, tension spring  1805  may have a first end cap  1810  and a second end cap  1815 . End caps  1810 ,  1815  may have apertures formed to receive first pin  1820  and second pin  1830 , respectively. In one embodiment, end caps  1810 ,  1815  may be formed from a plastic material. Further, in this embodiment an electrical contact  1835  may be used to form an electrical connection to one or more of second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 . Electrical contact  1835  may have one or more spring arms  1840 ,  1845  that are held in physical contact with rotatable shaft  1850  forming an electrical connection to one or more of second retractable prongs  405 ,  415 . In some embodiments, electrical contact  1835  may be made from a metal or metal alloy that may be plated with one or more metal layers. 
     The above description discussed four different linkage mechanisms (i.e., quadrilateral with clevis, quadrilateral with dual bar, pin and slot, flexible belt) and three different actuation mechanisms (i.e., tension springs, cantilever springs, magnetic). While power adapter  400  that included the quadrilateral with a clevis linkage mechanism was illustrated with the tension spring actuator, in other embodiments power adapter  400  could include either a cantilever spring actuator or a magnetic actuation as described with respect to  FIGS. 15-6  and  FIG. 17 , respectively. Similarly, power adapter  700  that included the quadrilateral dual bar linkage mechanism could include either a tension spring actuator, a cantilever spring actuator or a magnetic actuation as described with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 ,  FIGS. 15-6  and  FIG. 17 , respectively. Similarly, power adapter  900  that included the pin and slot linkage mechanism could include either a tension spring actuator, a cantilever spring actuator or a magnetic actuation as described with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 ,  FIGS. 15-6  and  FIG. 17 , respectively. Similarly, power adapter  1100  that included the flexible belt linkage mechanism could include either a tension spring actuator, a cantilever spring actuator or a magnetic actuation as described with respect to  FIGS. 4-6 ,  FIGS. 15-6  and  FIG. 17 , respectively. 
     In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to numerous specific details that may vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the invention, and what is intended by the applicants to be the scope of the invention, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20140911
Publication Date: 20160503
Grant Date: 20160503
Priority Date: 20140617
Inventors: ROY MATHIEU P.
VILLARREAL CESAR LOZANO
SINHA VIKAS K.
COSTER DANIEL
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/68", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/40", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/434", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/68", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/434", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R24/30", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R2103/00", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01R13/055", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 53199904