Adjustable Prong Outlet Safety Cover Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unused electrical outlets in homes and commercial buildings are both unsightly and pose a safety hazard, particularly for children and pets, due to their proximity and non-compliance with modern electrical codes.
Innovation Solution
The development of a removable outlet safety cover plate designed to fit various outlet configurations, including conventional and GFCI outlets, with adjustable prongs and a ground alignment post for secure fitting, allowing users to cover outlets without tools, thus preventing access and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wall plates are used to cover electrical outlets, then the outlets are hidden from view, but the outlets remain accessible and pose safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is divided into multiple independent prong components that can be individually adjusted and positioned. Each prong can be independently moved to engage with corresponding outlets, allowing the cover plate to adapt to different outlet configurations while maintaining secure coverage that prevents access to electrical contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover plate incorporates movable and adjustable prongs that can be repositioned according to different outlet types and configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same cover plate to effectively cover various outlet arrangements, ensuring reliable safety coverage while maintaining ease of installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlet covers are designed to fit multiple outlet configurations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate multiple outlet types and configurations through its adjustable prong mechanism. The same device can be configured to fit conventional outlets, GFCI outlets, and various international plug types, eliminating the need for multiple different cover plate designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable prongs are integrated within the cover plate structure, with each prong capable of independent movement and positioning. This nested configuration allows the prongs to be adjusted to different positions while remaining part of the unified cover plate assembly, managing complexity through integrated design.
3Reliability
If outlet covers require tool installation, then secure fitting is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate incorporates self-aligning and self-latching features that allow it to be installed and secured without requiring external tools. The adjustable prongs can be manually positioned and then automatically engage with the outlet structure, providing secure fixation through the device's own mechanical features rather than requiring screws or specialized installation tools.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are provided for outlet safety cover plates. In one example, an outlet safety cover plate includes a cover having a front face and a rear side; a first pair of prongs extending from the rear side of the cover, the first pair of prongs configured to fit into a first pair of contact openings in an electrical outlet; and a second pair of prongs extending from the rear side of the cover, the second pair of prongs aligned with the first pair of prongs and configured to fit into a second pair of contact openings in an electrical outlet, where a width of the first pair of prongs is approximately two thirds of a width of the second pair of prongs. In another example, an outlet safety cover plate includes first and second covers that align with each other when inserted in an electrical outlet.