Technically, that is a TVS = Transient Voltage Suppressor, its purpose is to suppress transients caused by lightning and other phenomenon. Per its datasheet, "• Typical failure mode due to exceeding maximum ratings is a short circuit condition". Breakdown voltage is 14.30 - 15.80. 19V qualifies as "exceeding maximum ratings".
I guess they could have put a proprietary connector on the adapter, but the std 12VDC power connector is ubiquitous. It was probably around b4 the 19V laptop connector, so you could blame the problem on that standard and not Sony. But then, you plugged it in without thinking. Yeah, I even do that at times.
@mike but then it is not a 120VAC device, it is a 12VDC device suitable for use with any xVAC to 12VDC adapter.