Flush modular jack system

Abstract

The application discloses an embedded flush modular socket system and an unlocking method thereof. In view of the technical problems that the existing wall socket panel is convex and affects the appearance, the convex edge is easy to accumulate dust, and the wall is easy to appear stains when being cleaned, and the flush hidden structure cannot be replaced and maintained and is inconvenient to use at night, the application proves that, under the constraint condition that the panel is flush installed and no additional opening is increased, the internal unlocking of the jack is the optimal technical path to realize the detachable maintenance through physical constraint analysis. The technical scheme comprises the following steps: a guiding structure is arranged around the bottom box, the socket module is accurately matched with the guiding structure, and the movement and rotation in the X and Y directions are limited; a clamping structure is arranged at the bottom to prevent the Z direction from being separated; a decorative material consistent with the wall surface is used to process the panel, the panel is flush with the wall surface, a functional gap (0.5-5 mm) is reserved between the panel and the installation base surface, the functional gap can be filled with a light guiding structure, and an atmosphere light is provided by an LED light source in the socket module; and when being maintained, a special unlocking tool is inserted into the jack, the internal clamping structure is pushed and pressed to realize the unlocking and dismounting. The application solves the technical contradiction between the flush appearance and the maintainability, and is suitable for various panel shapes and wall materials.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wall decoration and electrical accessories technology, specifically to an embedded, flush-mounted, detachable wall socket device with intelligent ambient lighting function and its unlocking method, for various wall finishes in residential and commercial buildings, including but not limited to ceramic tiles, paint, wall panels, stone, wood and other wall surfaces. Background Technology

[0002] Problems with existing technology

[0003] 1. Aesthetics and cleaning / maintenance issues

[0004] Traditional wall socket panels typically protrude 2-5mm from the wall, causing multiple problems: visual impact, dust accumulation, wall stains, and material mismatch. Regardless of whether square, round, or other shapes are used, the protruding structure creates a visual break on the wall.

[0005] 2. Inconvenient maintenance

[0006] To address the protruding issue, flush-mounted socket solutions on the market have a fundamental flaw:

[0007] (1) Concealed fixing solution: permanent fixing, but if damaged, the wall surface can only be broken and reinstalled, resulting in high maintenance costs.

[0008] (2) Forced disassembly method: Using suction cups to forcibly pull, which can easily damage the surrounding surface of the panel (tile chipping, paint peeling).

[0009] (3) Customized handmade solutions: rely on craftsmanship, have unstable quality, high cost, and cannot be standardized.

[0010] 3. Convenience of nighttime use

[0011] Traditional sockets are difficult to locate at night, and existing indicator light solutions either expose the LEDs directly, ruining the aesthetics, or the transparent panel does not match the wall material.

[0012] 4. The issue of versatility in multi-panel shapes

[0013] Existing solutions are often designed for specific panel shapes, lacking versatility, and require separate development for each shape.

[0014] Feasibility analysis of existing technical solutions

[0015] This invention provides a systematic analysis of possible technical solutions:

[0016] Option A: Magnetic fixation – magnetic force is difficult to balance, resulting in poor long-term reliability and high cost.

[0017] Option B: Screw fixing requires ≥5mm of operating space, disrupting the flush surface, and the screws are prone to corrosion. For square panels, the four corner screws will disrupt the flush surface; for round panels, rotation and disassembly require more space and will change the orientation of the panel pattern.

[0018] Option C: Hide the handle / button - requires ≥5mm of operating space, prone to accidental triggering, and has a complex structure.

[0019] Option D: The lateral sliding guide groove's precise fit restricts horizontal movement, and the 1-2mm gap cannot accommodate finger or tool operation.

[0020] Option E: Suction cup pulling – requires extremely high pulling force and is prone to damaging ceramic tiles, stone panels and surrounding finishes.

[0021] Solution F: Socket Unlocking (Invention) – Utilizing existing sockets without adding openings, it is highly versatile, safe, simple, and low-cost.

[0022] Universality of jack unlocking solutions

[0023] Suitable for all shapes:

[0024] Square panel: External operation is not feasible, but jack unlocking is fully applicable.

[0025] Circular panel: Although theoretically it can rotate, it is difficult to operate; unlocking the socket is simpler.

[0026] Oval / Irregular Shape: No uniform external operating point; socket unlocking offers optimal versatility.

[0027] Conclusion: Socket unlocking is the only universal solution applicable to all panel shapes.

[0028] Summary of technical issues

[0029] Existing technologies cannot simultaneously meet the following requirements: flush panel, uniform material, removable and maintainable, no damage to the wall surface, nighttime indication, simple structure, standardized construction, applicability to multiple shapes, long-term reliability, and electrical safety.

[0030] The technical objective of this invention is to provide a general technical solution that simultaneously satisfies all of the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0031] Technical problems to be solved

[0032] This invention solves the following problems:

[0033] 1. How to achieve removable maintenance when the panel is installed flush (gap ≤ 5mm)?

[0034] 2. A reliable unlocking mechanism that does not require additional openings or compromise aesthetics.

[0035] 3. A universal unlocking solution applicable to various panel shapes.

[0036] 4. Flush installation and unified nighttime indicator (optional)

[0037] 5. Matching of panel material with wall finish

[0038] 6. Standardized construction system

[0039] Technical solution

[0040] (I) Overall System Scheme

[0041] It includes a split-type base box, detachable socket modules, flush-mount panel components, optional lighting modules, and a dedicated unlocking tool. The system features a modular design, making it suitable for various panel shapes and wall materials.

[0042] (II) Core Technology Features

[0043] Core technical feature 1: Precision limiting mechanism of the guide structure

[0044] The guide structure around the base box is precisely matched with the socket module (fitting tolerance ≤ 0.5mm) to restrict movement and rotation in the X and Y directions, and to precisely control the gap between 0.5 and 5mm.

[0045] Implementation method: The guide structure can be a guide rail (set in the bottom box) + guide groove (set in the socket module), or set in the opposite direction, or other limiting forms can be adopted.

[0046] Core technical feature 2: Snap-fit ​​locking mechanism

[0047] The snap-fit ​​structure (preferably a resilient latch) engages with the locking structure to prevent disengagement in the Z-direction. It automatically snaps in during insertion and unlocks by pushing from the inside during disassembly.

[0048] Diverse implementation options: single latch, double latch, triple latch, quad latch, or rotary latch, etc., with fastening methods including internal hook, external hook, window type, and slot type.

[0049] Core technical feature 3: The universality and superiority of socket unlocking

[0050] Technical contribution of this invention: The core innovation of this invention lies in using the socket to realize the hidden unlocking channel, so as to realize the detachable maintenance of the flush plate.

[0051] (1) Constraint Analysis

[0052] Prerequisites:

[0053] The panel can be in various shapes.

[0054] The panel is flush with the wall.

[0055] Gap ≤ 5mm

[0056] No additional openings required

[0057] Safe and easy to operate

[0058] (2) Derivation of technical constraints

[0059] Prerequisite 1: Gap ≤ 5mm → No external operable structure

[0060] Prerequisite 2: Precise fit of the guide structure → unable to move horizontally

[0061] Prerequisite 3: The gap is filled → it cannot be pried open from the outside.

[0062] Prerequisite 4: The snap-fit ​​structure is inside → it must be accessible to the inside.

[0063] Prerequisite 5: The socket has an inherent structure → it can serve as a natural unlocking channel.

[0064] (3) Uniqueness Theorem

[0065] Under the above constraints, unlocking via a jack is the only optimal technical approach that simultaneously satisfies aesthetics, maintainability, security, versatility, convenience, and economy.

[0066] Technological contribution: Creatively transforming the inherent structure (socket) of a socket into a functional unlocking channel.

[0067] Core technical feature 4: Ring-shaped light-emitting structure (optional)

[0068] The light guide structure (preferably a ring-shaped light guide protrusion) is integrally formed on the outer edge of the panel fixing structure, with a height flush with the panel and a width of 0.5–5 mm. The LED light source is uniformly guided through the light guide structure to form a ring-shaped light slit, achieving nighttime indication and visual transition effects.

[0069] Diverse implementation options: Available in versions with or without light guides, allowing users to choose according to their needs.

[0070] Core technical feature 5: Unlocking tool

[0071] Multiple pins (materials may be plastic, metal, or other insulating materials) are arranged to match the socket hole group, with at least one pin long enough to reach the snap-fit ​​mechanism. The pull mechanism is located at the rear end.

[0072] Safety: Purely mechanical pressing, with no electrical contact.

[0073] Core technology feature 6: Integrated finishing materials

[0074] The panels use the same finishing materials as the walls (tiles, paint, wall panels, stone, wood, metal, glass, etc.) to achieve complete uniformity in color, texture, and feel.

[0075] Core technical feature 7: Standardized bottom box dimensions

[0076] The standard size range is 60-100mm, with 75mm×75mm being the preferred size, which is suitable for compact layouts of multiple modules.

[0077] Core technical feature 8: Spring float compensation (optional)

[0078] For thicker panels (8-12mm), the spring is raised by 3-15mm to compensate for the panel thickness and ensure that the standard plug can be inserted normally.

[0079] Systematic and collaborative technical solutions

[0080] The various technical features form an organic system:

[0081] The guide structure fully limits the X and Y directions, simplifying the Z-direction locking.

[0082] The snap-fit ​​structure is located at the bottom → the socket is extendable.

[0083] Flush reserved gap → light guide space

[0084] Uniform panel material + light guide transition → visual integration

[0085] Beneficial effects

[0086] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0087] 1. Significantly improved aesthetics

[0088] Flush installation, no dust accumulation, uniform material, visual transition (with light guide version), suitable for various shapes.

[0089] 2. Maintainability Breakthrough

[0090] The detachable design makes it easy to assemble and disassemble, with low maintenance costs and short cycles.

[0091] 3. Improved ease of use at night (version with light-up module)

[0092] Clear location indicators, ambient lighting, intelligent control, and multiple scene modes.

[0093] 4. Security Guarantee

[0094] Electrical safety, structural safety, flame retardant safety, child safety (optional).

[0095] 5. Construction Standardization

[0096] It features standardized construction, simple construction, strong adaptability, and high flexibility. Attached Figure Description

[0097] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the overall exploded structure of the system

[0098] Figure 2 Assembly diagram of panel, fixing frame, light-emitting module, and socket module

[0099] Figure 3 Assembly diagram of socket module, finish, and back box

[0100] Figure 4 Disassembly and unlocking diagram

[0101] Figure 5 Front and back views of the bottom box access panel

[0102] Figure 6 Assembly diagram of the base box and the inspection plate

[0103] Figure 7 Overall rendering after assembly

[0104] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0105] 1-Unlocking tool; 14-Ground pin (key pin); 12-Unlocking pull ring

[0106] 2-panel

[0107] 3-Panel fixing structure; 32-Light guide structure; Panel fixing frame fastener

[0108] 4-Light-emitting module (PCB board); 41-LED beads

[0109] 5-Socket module; 51-Matching guide structure; 52-Snap-fit ​​structure; 53-Unlock snap-fit ​​structure; 54-Unlocking pressure contact.

[0110] 6-Base box; 63-Guide structure; 62-Mounting flange structure; 64-Locking structure

[0111] 7-Assembly base surface; 71-Ceramic tile / finishing material

[0112] 8-Inspection board; 81-External terminal compartment; Unlocking latch structure Detailed Implementation

[0113] Example 1: Basic five-hole socket (square panel)

[0114] 1. Base box structure

[0115] The base box consists of a base box body and an access panel, featuring a split design and integral injection molding of plastic. Guide rails (70-80% of the side length in length, 3-4mm in height) are provided around the perimeter to mate with the guide grooves of the socket module. The mounting flange extends outwards by 8-12mm. A locking mechanism (double-locking) is located on the access panel.

[0116] Base box dimensions: 75mm×75mm×50mm.

[0117] 2. Socket module structure

[0118] Made of one-piece plastic injection molding, with guide grooves around the perimeter (depth 3-5mm, tolerance 0.3-0.5mm). Double latches are located at the bottom, in the shape of thin, inwardly hooked sheets, which automatically return to their original position after elastic deformation.

[0119] The socket assembly is a standard five-hole socket, with the ground hole extending to the double latch position (6mm inner diameter, 35-40mm depth). A ring-shaped step is provided around the perimeter for mounting a ring-shaped PCB. The spring contacts are raised 7mm to compensate for the 8mm thick ceramic tile panel. Module dimensions: 72mm × 72mm × 45mm.

[0120] 3. Light-emitting module structure (optional)

[0121] The circular PCB has an outer diameter of 68mm and six LED beads (0.06-0.1W / bead) evenly distributed. It is powered by 5V or 12V.

[0122] 4. Panel Component Structure

[0123] The panel is cut from ceramic tiles, measuring 80mm×80mm×8mm, with a 72mm×72mm opening.

[0124] The fixed frame is made of transparent plastic injection molding, serving both light guiding and fixing functions. The light guide ring is integrally molded on the outer edge, with a height of 8mm (flush with the panel) and a width of 1-2mm, and is made of transparent PC with a frosted finish.

[0125] LED light enters the light guide ring, propagates through total internal reflection, and is uniformly discharged from the outside to form a ring-shaped light slit.

[0126] 5. Unlock tool structure

[0127] Three plastic pins: live wire pin, neutral wire pin (25mm, guide pin), and ground wire pin (40mm, key pin). The unlocking pull ring is located at the rear.

[0128] Instructions for use: Insert the pin → Push the ground pin against the double latches → Bend the latches outward to disengage them → Pull the pull ring to pull out the module.

[0129] Installation method (pre-installed on tiled walls):

[0130] The panel and mounting base are cut from the same tile, and the base box is pre-fixed. Power is connected before tiling, and the panel is laid simultaneously with the surrounding tiles, flush with the wall surface.

[0131] Technical effect: The panel and the tile have the same color and texture, and can only be distinguished by the slight light gap.

[0132] Example 2: Intelligent Control Version

[0133] Based on Example 1, an intelligent control module is added, including a clock module, sensors (radar / voice-controlled / photosensitive) and a controller.

[0134] Control logic:

[0135] Nighttime period detection (user-configurable)

[0136] Sensor triggers the light (radar detects human movement, voice control detects sound).

[0137] Delayed off, supports multiple modes including constant on, breathing light, and flashing.

[0138] Technical benefits: The radar version is suitable for hallways and living rooms, while the voice-controlled version is suitable for bedrooms, providing energy-saving and environmentally friendly illumination on demand.

[0139] Example 3: Installation of Painted Walls

[0140] The product is shipped as a pre-assembled assembly (excluding the mounting base). After the wall paint is finished, drill the mounting holes (82mm×82mm, slightly larger than the base box), push the assembly in to make the panel flush, fix it with expansion screws, fill the surrounding area with putty, and then apply touch-up paint.

[0141] Technical advantages: Suitable for old house renovation, flexible installation, and the panel can be sprayed with the same paint as the wall.

[0142] Summary of technical effects

[0143] Core technological contributions:

[0144] 1. Universality Theory of Socket Unlocking

[0145] 2. Shape-independent design

[0146] 3. Circular light guide visual transition (optional)

[0147] 4. Modular and maintainable design

[0148] 5. Scenario-based intelligent control (optional)

[0149] 6. Aesthetics of material unity

[0150] 7. Standardization System

[0151] Application expansion: wall electrical accessories such as switch panels, network sockets, smart panels, and USB sockets.

[0152] Instruction manual notes

[0153] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the claims.

[0154] For example:

[0155] The number of socket holes can be varied, as long as at least one hole extends to the unlocked position.

[0156] Other forms of guide structures can be used, as long as they can achieve X and Y direction limiting.

[0157] The snap-fit ​​structure can be a single snap-fit, a triple snap-fit, a quad snap-fit, or other flexible form.

[0158] The panel shape can be any geometric shape.

Claims

1. An embedded flush modular socket system, characterized in that... include: A base box, fixed to a wall or decorative opening, includes: a guide structure disposed around the base box; a locking structure disposed at a specific position within the base box; a socket module, including: a cooperating guide structure disposed around the socket module, cooperating with the base box guide structure to restrict the movement and rotation of the socket module in the X and Y directions; a snap-fit ​​structure disposed at a specific position within the socket module, detachably engaging with the base box locking structure to prevent the socket module from being pulled out in the Z direction; a socket hole assembly, wherein at least one socket extends to the snap-fit ​​structure position, forming a disassembly operation channel; and a flush-surface panel assembly, including: a panel made of a decorative surface. Material formation; fixing structure for fixing the panel and socket module; wherein: the panel is installed flush with the wall, and the gap between the outer periphery of the panel and the wall is no more than 5mm; since there is no operating structure on the outside of the panel that can be pried or disassembled, the disassembly and assembly of the socket module is completed by the unlocking mechanism set inside the socket hole; during disassembly, a special unlocking tool is inserted into the socket hole extending to the snap-fit ​​structure, the pushing part of the unlocking tool directly contacts the snap-fit ​​structure, and mechanical pushing force is applied along the axial direction of the socket hole, causing the snap-fit ​​structure to elastically deform and disengage from the locking structure, thereby pulling the socket module out in the Z direction.

2. A method for disassembling a socket module in the system of claim 1, characterized in that... The process includes the following steps: Step 1: Insert the pins of the unlocking tool into the socket hole group of the socket module, wherein at least one pin is inserted through the socket extending to the snap-fit ​​structure; Step 2: Push the unlocking tool along the axial direction of the socket hole to apply mechanical pushing force to the snap-fit ​​structure; Step 3: Under the action of the pushing force, the snap-fit ​​structure undergoes elastic deformation or displacement, disengaging from the locking structure of the bottom box; Step 4: With the snap-fit ​​structure disengaged from the locking structure, pull out the socket module in the Z direction.

3. A socket unlocking mechanism for a flush-mounted socket, characterized in that: The socket body includes: a socket hole group with multiple holes for inserting plugs; a snap-fit ​​structure for fixing the socket body in the installation position; and an unlocking channel formed by extending from the existing holes in the socket hole group, the depth of which exceeds the conventional plug insertion depth and extends to the snap-fit ​​structure. The unlocking mechanism involves inserting a pushing member of an unlocking tool through the unlocking channel, with the pushing member directly contacting the snap-fit ​​structure. Mechanical pushing force is applied to the snap-fit ​​structure along the axial direction of the holes, causing elastic deformation or displacement of the snap-fit ​​structure, changing it from a locked state to an unlocked state. In the unlocked state, the socket body can be moved out of the installation position along the Z-direction. The unlocking channel utilizes the inherent hole structure of the socket without adding additional openings. The hole unlocking mechanism does not rely on any external operating structure of the panel. The hole unlocking mechanism is suitable for installations where the panel is flush with the wall and the gap around the outer perimeter of the panel is no greater than 5mm.

4. The system or mechanism according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that: The guide structure is a guide rail, and the matching guide structure is a guide groove. The guide rail and guide groove can be interchangeably installed in the bottom box and the socket module, with a fit tolerance of ≤0.5mm. The snap-fit ​​structure is an elastic structure, including one or more latches, buckles, or other elastic fasteners. It undergoes elastic deformation when pushed and automatically returns to the locked state after the push is released. The snap-fit ​​structure and the locking structure can be engaged by an inner hook, an outer hook, a window, or a slot. The socket extending to the snap-fit ​​structure can be any one of a ground wire hole, a live wire hole, a neutral wire hole, or a USB hole.

5. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket assembly is configured with five-hole sockets, seven-hole sockets, three-hole sockets, USB sockets, Type-C sockets or other standard sockets; the spring contacts in the socket module are mounted 3-15mm above the Z-face of the standard socket in the direction of the panel to compensate for the increased panel thickness.

6. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The panel can be square, round, oval, or polygonal; the panel material includes ceramic tile, painted decorative panel, wall panel, wood, stone, metal, or glass; the gap width between the panel and the wall is 0.5-5mm; no mechanical structure or electronic component that can be directly operated from the outside is installed in the gap.

7. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket module has a light-emitting module mounting area around its surface. The light-emitting module includes a ring-shaped PCB and LED beads. The fixing structure includes a fixing frame with a light guide structure on the outer edge of the fixing frame. The light guide structure is a ring-shaped light guide protrusion, integrally formed on the outer edge of the fixing frame, with a height flush with the panel surface, forming a light guide channel for guiding the light source on the socket module. The light-emitting module is equipped with a control circuit, including a clock module, sensors, and a controller. The sensors are selected from radar sensors, sound sensors, photosensitive sensors, or infrared sensors. The controller realizes the triggering of light emission modes such as constant light, breathing light, flashing, or gradual light change.

8. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The socket module has a positioning structure on its upper part for cooperating with the panel fixing structure to achieve precise positioning in the X and Y directions; the socket module also has a snap-fit ​​structure on its upper part for detachable fastening with the panel fixing structure to achieve locking in the Z direction; the bottom box adopts a split design, with the bottom box body on the upper part and a detachable maintenance plate on the lower part, the reverse side of which forms an external terminal compartment for connecting to the mains power; the bottom box has a guide structure around its perimeter for cooperating with the socket module to achieve X and Y direction limiting; the bottom box has a locking structure for engaging with the socket module's snap-fit ​​structure to achieve locking in the Z direction; the bottom box's edges expand outward to form a mounting flange; the unit size of the bottom box is between 60mm×60mm and 100mm×100mm, preferably 75mm×75mm.

9. The dedicated unlocking tool for the system according to claim 1, characterized in that... include: At least one pin, the pin spacing matching the socket module socket group, wherein at least one pin is long enough to extend to the snap-fit ​​structure position and apply mechanical pushing force to it along the socket axis; a pull structure, located at the rear end of the tool, for applying pulling force; the pin material is insulating plastic, surface-insulated metal, or other insulating material.

10. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: In step 2, when the unlocking tool is pushed, the pushing part is in direct contact with the locking structure, and the pushing force is transmitted along the axial direction of the socket to avoid affecting the internal electrical components of the socket; and in step 3, the elastic deformation of the locking structure is controlled within the minimum range that allows it to disengage from the locking structure. After the pushing force is released, the locking structure automatically resets to the locking state by its own elasticity, ensuring that the socket module can be automatically locked when it is reinstalled.

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