Articulating Power Strip with Cable Diversion Tunnel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electric power strips are rigid and unarticulated, making it difficult to accommodate various cable configurations and provide convenient access to outlets, while also posing a tripping hazard as cables lie exposed on the floor.

Innovation Solution

An articulated power strip with individual segments connected by hinged covers and couplings that allow for flexible bending and cable diversion, featuring a continuous cover channel and coupling channel to protect and route cables safely, preventing them from being displaced or obstructed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional rigid power strips are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but cable protection and adaptability to various configurations are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various cable configurationsVSAvoidpower strip structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power strip is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently positioned and configured. Each segment contains cable management features and can be articulated relative to other segments, allowing the system to adapt to various cable routing requirements while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization of individual modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power strip incorporates articulated joints between segments that enable dynamic reconfiguration of the cable pathway. These joints allow the segments to pivot and adjust to different angles, providing adaptability to various cable configurations and spatial arrangements while the segments remain mechanically connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If rigid unarticulated power strips are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but access to outlets and cable routing flexibility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to outletsVSAvoidpower strip manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the power strip into modular units with standardized interfaces, the design achieves outlet accessibility through articulation while keeping manufacturing relatively simple through repetition of standardized components across segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The articulated segments enable the power strip to utilize three-dimensional space more effectively, allowing outlets to be accessed from multiple angles and positions without requiring a complete redesign of the basic strip structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cables are allowed to lie exposed on the floor, then device simplicity is maintained, but tripping hazards and cable damage risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetripping hazard preventionVSAvoidcable protection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The articulated cable protection system can dynamically adjust its configuration to route cables along the floor surface, preventing tripping hazards while accommodating different spatial arrangements. The segments pivot to create smooth cable pathways that adapt to the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The power strip segments function as flexible protective enclosures that cover and protect cables while allowing the overall structure to bend and articulate. This provides continuous cable protection without requiring rigid fixed installations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If articulated segments are used, then cable configuration flexibility is improved, but structural complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable routing flexibilityVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Segmentation into modular units with standardized articulated interfaces provides cable routing flexibility while simplifying assembly through repetition of identical or similar modules. Each segment is a self-contained unit that can be independently manufactured and then assembled through standardized connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9906006B2Articulating on-floor electric power strip including a cord protector and cord outlets

Publication Date: 2018.02.27 NIEDAX MONOSYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A power strip for covering cables, cords and wires includes a row of segment covers together containing channels with channels for the cables. The opposite ends of adjacent covers are hingedly connected. A coupling is swivelably connected between each set of adjacent ends of the covers. Coupling channels in each coupling complete the cover channels. A diversion tunnel from a coupling channel and out the lateral side of the power strip for diversion of cables out of the power strip.