FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10, rule 13) 1. Title of the invention: ELECTRICAL ADAPTER

2. Applicant(s)

NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
ANCHOR ELECTRICALS Indian 3rd Floor, B Wing I-Think Techno
PRIVATE LIMITED Campus Pokhran Road No. 2, Thane (West), Thane, Maharashtra 400 607, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.

BACKGROUND
[0001] Electrical adapters are, generally, used to connect electrical
appliances to an incompatible electric socket. Such electrical adapters are available in various configurations. One of the many configurations of the electrical adapters includes pins and a socket which are electrically connected to each other. The pins are used to plug the electrical adapter into the incompatible socket while the socket of the electrical adapter receives the plug pins of a plug of the device which is to be electrically connected to the incompatible socket. Few of the electrical adapters may also include a printed circuit board (PCB), for instance, to regulate electric current supplied via the electrical adapter. In such electrical adapters, the socket and the pins are mounted on the PCB.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0002] The following detailed description references the drawings,
wherein:
[0003] Fig. 1 illustrates an electrical adapter, in accordance with one
implementation of the present subject matter;
[0004] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of electrical adapter depicting
the different components, in accordance with one implementation of the present
subject matter;
[0005] Fig. 3 illustrates a first modular assembly and a second modular
assembly in an unassembled state, in accordance with one implementation of
the present subject matter; and
[0006] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the second modular
assembly of an electrical adapter, in accordance with one implementation of the
present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] Conventional electrical adapters for connecting devices
incompatible sockets include a printed circuit board (PCB) having electronic
components, for instance to protect the device during operation. In such
electrical adapters, pins and sockets are connected to the electronic
components on the PCB and, therefore, the pins and sockets are mounted onto
the PCB. However, when the device is plugged into and removed from the
electrical adapter, considerably force is directly applied on the PCB. For
example, in order to ensure effective electrical connection between the device
and the adapter, the socket of the adapter is designed to bear an interference fit
with the plug pins of the plug of the device. Similarly, the pins of the electrical
adapter are designed to bear, and interference fit with the incompatible socket.
Accordingly, the plugging in and removal of the electrical adapter from the
incompatible socket also causes considerable force on the PCB. With the high
frequency of plugging and unplugging of devices to the electrical adapter and of
the electrical adapter to the incompatible socket, the electrical adapter may be
prone to damage and may have to be frequently repaired or replaced. For
instance, the PCB is usually formed of a material which is not designed for high
loads and, therefore, the loads on the PCB due to plugging and unplugging as
explained above may damage the PCB. As a result, the PCB may have to be
frequently replaced or repaired, leading to a high cost for the customer.
[0008] Examples of an electrical adapter based on the present subject
matter are disclosed herein. The electrical adapter is designed to be durable, for example, by protecting the PCB from loads during handling of the electrical adapter during operation. The electrical adapter is formed as having a modular design and, according to an aspect, includes a first modular assembly and a second modular assembly. The two modular assemblies are connected to each other in such a way that the load of handling the electrical adapter during operation is borne substantially by one modular assembly and the other modular assembly is considerably insulated from the loads.
[0009] According to an example present subject matter, the first modular
assembly of the electrical adapter includes a printed circuit board (PCB) hosting one or more electronic components whereas the second modular assembly

includes components for connecting the electrical adapter to a power socket as well as for connecting an electrical appliance to the adapter. Accordingly, the second modular assembly includes a plurality of adapter pins for being plugging into the electric socket or the power socket and includes a plurality of receptacles for receiving plug pins of a plug of the electrical appliance. Each receptacle is electrically connected to one adapter pin, for instance, for providing power from the power socket to the device. The second modular assembly is connected to the first modular assembly through a plurality of flexible conductive links.
[0010] The provision of such flexible conductive links allows transmission
of the electrical power to the electronic components for the operation of the electrical adapter and, at the same time, are designed to absorb the loads on the second modular assembly without allowing those loads to be transferred to the first modular assembly, thereby insulating the PCB of the first modular assembly from such loads. For example, loads may be experienced by the second modular assembly during plugging-in and unplugging of the electrical adapter from the power socket and during the plugging- in and unplugging of the plug of the device from the electrical adapter. Accordingly, the second modular assembly can be designed in a manner to be able to withstand such loads, whereas the first module assembly can be designed separately. The cost of design and manufacture of the second modular assembly is, therefore, localized to the second modular assembly. On the other hand, the first modular assembly does not have to be designed to bear any such high loads. Hence, the overall cost of the electrical adapter in terms of design, materials, and manufacturing is low.
[0011] According to an example, since the flexible conductive links
absorbs the load and prevents the transmission of load to the first modular assembly, any damage to the first modular assembly is prevented, that otherwise would have caused if the flexible conductive links were not present. Moreover, prevention of transmission of load also increase the durability and operational life of the electrical adaptor. In addition, connecting the first modular member and the second modular member using flexible conductive links also

allows easier replacement of either of the two assemblies in case one of the two assemblies fail to work. Since, the undamaged assembly can be retained while the damaged assembly can be replaced, such an arrangement increases the serviceability of the electrical adaptor and reduces the cost associated with the repair of electrical adaptors.
[0012] The present subject matter is further described with reference to
the accompanying figures. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals are used in the figures and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. It is thus understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0013] Fig. 1 illustrates an electrical adapter 100, in accordance with one
implementation of the present subject matter. the electrical adapter 100 may include a back cover 102 and a front cover 104 that may together form a housing of the electrical adapter 100. Further, the housing may house various components of the electrical adapter 100, such as, but not limited to, a first modular assembly and a second modular assembly. The structural details of the first modular assembly and the second modular assembly will explained with respect to Fig. 2 onwards. In the illustrated example, the back cover 102 may include a plurality of adapter pins 106 that can be to plug to an electric socket of an AC power supply board. In one example, the adapter pins 106 may be a part of the second modular assembly. On the other hand, the front cover 104 may include a plurality of holes 108-1, 108-2, and 108-3, collectively referred to as 108 that allows a plug of a device to attach thereto. In the illustrated example, the holes can be formed as the part of the second modular assembly. Further, the plurality of holes 108 may be designed based on a shape of the pins of the electrical plug of the electrical equipment. Although not shown, the plurality of holes 108 may house receptacles of the second modular assembly. Further, the

holes 108 and the adapter pins 106 may be connected to flexible conductive
links (not shown) that allows transmission to electric power between the first
modular assembly and the second modular assembly but prevents transmission
of force between the first modular assembly to the second modular assembly.
The structural detail of the first modular assembly and the second modular
assembly are explained in detail in the subsequent embodiments.
[0014] Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the electrical adaptor 100, in
accordance of an implementation of the present subject matter. The electrical adaptor 100 may include a first cover 202 (similar to the back cover 102) and a second cover 204 (similar to the front cover 104). Further, the first cover 202 may include a plurality of grooves 206 that may receive a plurality of fastening members 214, such as screws to fasten the first cover 202 with the second cover 204 together. Although not shown, the second cover 204 may also include similar holes. Although the current illustration shows four holes 206, it may be understood that more or smaller number of holes may be employed. Further, each hole 206 may include internal threads that can mate with the fastening members 214. Moreover, each of the first cover 202 and the second cover 204 may include cavities that together forms an enclosed space to house different components of the electrical adaptor 100. In the illustrated example, the electrical adaptor may include a first modular assembly 208 and a second modular assembly 210. Further, the first modular assembly 208 may include one or more holes 216 that can be aligned with a top groove 206 to allow the fastening members 214 to pass through and secure the first modular assembly 208 to the first cover 202 and the second cover 204. Although not shown, the second modular assembly 210 may also include similar grooves to that can aligned with a lower groove to allow the fastening member to pass through the lower groove and the lower hole.
[0015] According to an example, the second modular assembly 210 may
include a plurality of flexible conductive links that connects the first modular assembly 208 and the second modular assembly 208 such that the plurality of flexible conductive links conducts the electric current to and from the first modular assembly 208 and the second modular assembly 210. Further, the

plurality of flexible conductive links may absorb any load acting on the second modular assembly 210 and prohibits dissipation of the plug-in and plug-out forces applied through the plug pins of the device into the electrical adapter 100 and the plug-in and plug-out forces of the plurality of adapter pins 106 into the electric socket from the second modular assembly 210 to first modular assembly 208 thereby preventing any damage, that otherwise would have occurred if the force is transmitted. The structural details of the first modular assembly 208 and the second modular assembly is explained with respect to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 respectively.
[0016] Fig. 3 illustrates the first modular assembly 208 and the second
modular assembly 210 in an unassembled state, in accordance with one implementation of the present subject matter. In the illustrated example, the first modular assembly 208 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) that may host electronics components to monitor and control the electrical connections of the electrical adapter 100. For instance, the first modular assembly 208 may include a XFMR i.e. a transformer, mounted on the PCB. The XFMR is an electrical device that change voltages of an alternating current. Further, the first modular assembly 208 may include one or more RELAYs to switch ON/OFF the transmission of the electrical current. Furthermore, the first modular assembly 208 may include a pair of first receivers 302 that a may receive a plurality of the flexible in-links to connect the second modular assembly 210 with the first modular assembly 208. Further, the first pair of receivers 302 may receive the electric current from the pair of the flexible in-links of the second modular assembly 210 to the PCB of the first modular assembly 208. In one example, the pair of first receivers 302 can be holes that can receive the plurality of the flexible in-links such that there is an interference fit therebetween. In another example, the first pair of receivers 302 and the plurality of flexible in-links may be soldered together. Further, the plurality of flexible in-links allows the second modular assembly 210 to absorb the plug-in and plug-out forces exerted the pins of plug of the device.
[0017] According to an example, the first modular assembly 208 also
includes a second pair of receivers 304 that may receive a plurality of the

flexible out-links mounted on the second modular assembly 210 to electrically connect the adapter pins 106 (shown in Fig. 1) to the PCB. In one example, the plurality of flexible out-links allows the second modular assembly 210 to absorb the plug-in and plug-out forces exerted on the plurality of adapter pins 106. In another example, the plurality of flexible conductive links allows the second modular assembly 210 to absorb the plug-in and plug-out forces exerted by the plug.
[0018] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the second modular
assembly 210, in accordance with one implementation of the present subject matter. The second modular assembly 210 (shown in Fig. 2) is made of a first holding unit 402 and a second holding unit 404 that can be attached together, for instance, by screw joints or snap locks. Further, the first holding unit 402 may include a plurality of apertures that allow pins 406 and 408 (similar to the adapter pins 106 shown in Fig. 1) to pass through and protrude from the back cover 102 (shown in Fig. 1). In one example, the pin 406 may be a neutral adapter pin 406 that connects to a neutral wire receptacle of the socket of the AC power supply and the pin 408 may be line adapter pin 408 that connects to a line wire receptacle of the socket of the AC power supply. In one example, the pins 406 and the pins 408 may be connected to flexible in-links 410 and 412 (collectively forming the pair of flexible in-links as explained with respect to Fig. 3) respectively. In one example, the flexible in-link 410 can be a neutral flexible in-link 410 while the flexible in-link 412 can be a line flexible in-link 412. As illustrated, the neutral adapter pin 406 is connected to a lower end of the flexible in-link 410 while the line adapter pin 408 may be connected to a lower end of the flexible in-link 412. Further, each of the flexible in-links 410 and 412 may include a tip 410-1 and 412-1 respectively that can be inserted in the second pair of the receivers 304 (shown in Fig. 3). Furthermore, the flexible in-links 410 and 412 are made of an electrically conductive material that can flex elastically when a load is applied through the pins 406 and 408. For instance, the flexible in-links 410 and 412 are designed in such a way that the lower ends of the flexible in-links 410 and 412 may bend when the load is applied while the tips

410-1 and 412-1 remains stationary. As a result, the transmission of plug-in forces and plug-out forces is prevented.
[0019] In one example, the first holding unit 402 may include another
aperture to receive a ground adapter pin 414-1, such that the ground pin 414 may pass through the aperture. Further, the ground adapter pin 414 may be coupled to a ground receptacle or an earth receptacle 414-2 that receives an earth pin of the plug of the device through the second cover 204 (shown in Fig.2). For instance, the combination of the ground adapter pin 414-1 and the earth receptacle 414-2 may directly connects an earth contact of an electric socket to the earth plug pin of the device. In another example, the second holding unit 404 may include pockets or attachment means 404-1 and 404-2 to mount a pair of receptacles 416 and 420. Further, the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 may include a neutral receptacle 416 and a line receptacle 420. Further, the attachment means 404-1 and 404-2 may also receive a pair of the flexible out-links 418 and 422 (collectively forming the pair of flexible out-links as explained with respect to Fig. 3). Further, each of the out-links 418 and 422 may include tips 418-1 and 422-1 that may be connected to the first pair of the receiver 302 (shown in Fig. 3). For instance, the flexible out-link 418 can be a neutral flexible out-link 418 connected to the neutral receptacle 416 and the flexible out-link 422 can be a line flexible out-link 422 connected to the line receptacle 420. In one example, the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 may be placed inside the holes 108-2 and 108-3 (shown in Fig. 1) when assembled such that the pins of the plug of the device may make contact with the pair of receptacles 416 and 420. Further, the receptacles 416 and 420 may be electrically connected to the flexible out-links 418 and 422 respectively. However, the flexible out-links 418 and 422 may prevent transmission of any load from the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 to the first pair of receivers 302. In one example, ends of the flexible out-links 418 and 422 to which the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 are connected may flex elastically whereas top ends of the flexible out-links 418 and 422 may remain stationary. Therefore, the transmission of load is prevented. In the illustrated example, the flexible in-links

410, 412 and the flexible out-links 418, 422 may be coupled to the first holding
unit 402 and the second holding unit 404 using screws 424.
[0020] In one example, the second holding unit 404 further includes
insulation between the flexible neutral in-link 410 and the flexible neutral out-link 418, and between the flexible line in-link 412 and the flexible line out-link 422 to prevent short circuit therebetween.
[0021] During operation, the electrical adaptor 100 may be plugged to a
socket of an AC power supply. In one example, the adapter pins 406, 408, and 414-1 may have an interference fit with the receptacles on the socket of the AC power supply. As the electrical adaptor 100 is plugged, the neutral adapter pin 406, the line adapter pin 408, and the ground adapter pin 414-1 may experience a plug-in as the user pushes the adapter pins inside the socket of the AC power supply. As a result, the pins 406 and 408 may exert force on second modular assembly 210. However, the flexible in-links 410 and 412 bend elastically instead of the transmitting the force from the second modular assembly 210 to the first modular assembly 208. As a result, the first modular assembly 208 does not experience any push. Thereafter, the plug of the device may be plugged to the receptacles 416, 420 and 414-2 such that the pins on the plug makes contact with the pair of receptacles 416, 420 and 414-2. In one instance, the user exerts plug-in force through the plug against the second cover 204 such that the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 gets deflected. Further, the same plug-in force is experienced by the second modular assembly 210. In such a case too, the flexible out-links 418 and 422 flex elastically and prevents the transmission of load from the pair of contacts or receptacles 416 and 420 to the second pair of receivers 304. As a result, the first modular assembly 208 remains unaffected from the loads acting on the pins 406, 408 or the contacts or receptacles 416 and 420.
[0022] Once placed, a switch alongside the socket for the AC supply is
operated to close the circuit and allows the electric current to flow through the neutral adapter pin 406 and the line adapter pin 408. Further, the flexible in-links 410 and 412 conducts the electric current to and from the pins 406 and 408. Thereafter, the first modular assembly 208 converts a voltage value and a

current value of the input electric current to an output current that has a value of voltage and current needed for the device. Once converted, the first modular assembly 208 may transmit the output current to the pair of receptacles 416 and 420 through the flexible out-links 418 and 422. Thereafter, the output current is provided to the device through the pair of receptacles 416 and 420. Further, the ground pin 414 acts as a ground and discharges any static electric charge developed on the device.
[0023] When the user wishes to unplug the electrical adapter 100, the
user may pull the plug from the holes 108. Further, since the plug and the electrical adaptor 100 have interference fit, the removal of plug results in plug-out force which is experienced by the flexible out-links 418 and 422. Hereto, the flexible out-links 418 and 422 flex to absorb the plug out force thereby protecting the first modular assembly 208. Thereafter, the user may unplug the electrical adapter 100 from the socket of the AC power supply. In this case too, the interference fit cause a plug-out force on the adapter pins 406 and 408. However, the flexible in-links 410 and 412 flex to prevent transmission of the plug-out force on the first modular assembly 208 thereby protecting the first modular assembly 208.
[0024] Although examples for the present disclosure have been
described in language specific to structural features, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not limited to the specific features described herein. Rather, the specific features are disclosed and explained as examples of the present disclosure.

I/We Claim:
1. An electrical adapter (100) for connecting a device with an electric socket,
wherein the electrical adapter (100) comprising:
a first modular assembly (208) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB hosts electronics components for monitoring and controlling electrical connections of the electrical adapter (100); and
a second modular assembly (210) connected to the first modular assembly (208) through a plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422), wherein the second modular assembly (210) comprises:
a plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) for plugging
the electrical adapter (100) into the electric socket; and
a plurality of receptacles (416, 420) for receiving plug
pins of the device,
wherein the second modular assembly (210) is to absorb plug-in and plug-out force of the plug pins into the electrical adapter (100), and plug-in and plug-out force of the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) into the electric socket.
2. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422) prohibits dissipation of the plug-in and plug-out forces of the plug pins into the electrical adapter (100) and the plug-in and plug-out forces of the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) into the electric socket from the second modular assembly (210) to first modular assembly (208).
3. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a first cover (202) and a second cover (204) and, wherein the second modular assembly (210) is coupled to the first cover (202) and the housing is to absorb the plug-in and plug-out forces of the

plurality of plug pins into the electrical adapter (100) and the plug-in and the plug-out forces of the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) into the electric socket.
4. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422) comprises a plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412) and a plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422), wherein the plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412) electrically connect the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408) with the PCB and the plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422) connect the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) with the PCB.
5. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second modular assembly (210) further comprises:
a first holding unit (402) for holding the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) and the plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412), wherein the first holding unit (402) is to absorb the plug-in and plug-out forces of the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) into the electric socket; and
a second holding unit (404) for holding the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) and the plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422), wherein the second holding unit (404) is to absorb the plug-in force and the plug-out force of the plurality of plug pins into the electrical adapter (100).
6. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein
the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) comprises: a neutral adapter pin (406) and a line adapter pin (408);
the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) comprises: a neutral receptacle (416) and a line receptacle (420);
the plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412) comprises a neutral flexible in-link (410) and a line flexible in-link (412); and
the plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422) comprises: a neutral flexible out-link (418) and a line flexible out-link (422).

7. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first holding unit (402) further provides insulation between a neutral flexible in-link (410) and a neutral flexible out-link (418), and between a line flexible in-link (412) and a line flexible out-link (422).
8. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second holding unit (404) further provides insulation between the neutral receptacle (416) and the line receptacle (420).
9. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) comprises a neutral adapter pin (406) and a line adapter pin (408), wherein the neutral adapter pin (406) is connected to the PCB through a flexible line in-link (410), and the line adapter pin (408) is connected to the PCB through a flexible line in-link (412).
10. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) comprises a neutral receptacle (416) and a line receptacle (420), wherein the neutral receptacle (416) is connected to the PCB through a flexible neutral out-link (418) and the line receptacle (420) is connected to the PCB through a flexible neutral out-link (422).
11. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second modular assembly (210) further comprises a combination of a ground adapter pin (414-1) and an earth receptacle (414-2) for directly connecting an earth contact of an electric socket to an earth plug pin of the device.
12. An electrical adapter (100) for connecting a device with an electric
socket, the electrical adapter (100) comprising:
a housing for housing a first modular assembly (208) and a second modular assembly (210), wherein the first modular assembly (208) comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), wherein the PCB hosts electronics components for monitoring and controlling functionality of the

electrical adapter (100), and wherein the second modular assembly (210) comprises:
a plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) for plugging the electrical adapter (100) into the electric socket;
a plurality of receptacle for receiving plug pins of the device;
a plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422) comprising a plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412) and a plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422);
a first holding unit (402) for holding the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) and the plurality of flexible in-links (410, 412); and
a second holding unit (404) for holding the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) and the plurality of flexible out-links (418, 422), wherein
the second modular assembly (210) is connected to the first modular assembly (208) through the plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422), and wherein the second modular assembly (210), the first holding unit (402), the second holding unit (404) and the housing absorb plug-in and plug-out forces of the plug pins into the electrical adapter (100) and plug-in and plug-out forces of the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) into the electric socket.
13. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the housing comprises a first cover (202) and a second cover (204), wherein the first cover (202) is coupled to the second modular assembly (210).
14. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) comprises a neutral adapter pin (406) and a line adapter pin (408), wherein
the neutral adapter pin (406) is connected to the PCB through a flexible

neutral in-link (410), and the line adapter pin (408) is connected to the PCB through a line in-link (412).
15. The electrical adapter (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the plurality
of receptacles (416, 420) comprises a neutral receptacle (416) and a line
receptacle (420), wherein
the neutral receptacle (416) is connected to the PCB through a flexible neutral out-link (418) and the line receptacle (420) is connected to the PCB through a flexible line out-link (422).
16. An electrical adapter (100) comprising:
a first modular assembly (208) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) hosting electronic components; and
a second modular assembly (210) comprising,
a plurality of adapter pins (406, 408, 414) for being plugging into an electric socket; and
a plurality of receptacles (416, 420) for receiving plug pins of a plug, each of the plurality of receptacles (416, 420) being electrically connected to one adapter pin;
wherein the second modular assembly (210) is connected to the first modular assembly (208) through a plurality of flexible conductive links (410, 412, 418, 422).