Angled Plug Outlet Cover for Dual Receptacle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor electrical outlet covers often fail to provide full access to both receptacles of a duplex or one-gang electrical wall outlet, are unattractive, and pose safety hazards for children, while traditional solutions only access one receptacle and add bulk.
Innovation Solution
A thin, aesthetically pleasing indoor electrical wall outlet cover with two electrical plugs connecting directly to both receptacles, allowing two cords to exit from the cover, providing versatile directionality and concealing the outlets while maintaining accessibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional outlet cover is used, then the outlet is concealed for safety, but full access to both receptacles is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover is divided into two separate access points, one for each receptacle. Each receptacle can be accessed independently through its own opening in the cover, allowing the cover to conceal both receptacles while still providing full access to both when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet cover has different properties in different locations - it is solid and concealing in most areas for safety, but has specific openings in localized positions that provide access to each receptacle. This allows the cover to simultaneously provide safety through concealment and ease of operation through targeted access points.
2Ease of operation
If a functional outlet cover is used, then outlet access is provided, but the cover adds bulk and prevents furniture placement adjacent to the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover is designed as a thin plate that fits over the outlet without adding significant bulk. The cover maintains a sleek, minimal profile that allows furniture to be placed adjacent to the wall without interference, while still providing the necessary outlet access functionality through its openings.
3Shape
If a traditional outlet cover is used, then the outlet is visible, but the appearance is unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover has different properties in different locations - it is solid and concealing in most areas for safety
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet cover is divided into two separate access points, one for each receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
An indoor electrical wall outlet cover permitting full functional use of a two-plug or duplex electrical wall outlet while fully concealing the plug contact openings of the outlet. The cover has two functional electrical plugs that insert respectively into the two receptacles in the outlet and are respectively connected to two extended electrical cords having at their distal ends one or more functional electrical receptacles or a direct connection to a small appliance or electronic device for indirect use of the wall outlet. The electrical cords can extend outward from the cover in the same or different directions and from the same or different sides of the cover. The functional electrical plugs have electrical connection pins that are bent at an angle enabling the cover to function without extending any significant degree outward of the wall outlet. In one embodiment, the cover can also hide the outlet from view.