Collapsible Socket Extender Linkage for Wall Outlet Accessibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wall-mounted electrical sockets can be inconveniently located, posing difficulties for individuals with physical impairments and requiring costly rewiring to relocate, while extension cords present hazards and are aesthetically unappealing.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible electrical socket extender with a non-conductive housing and conductive prongs that connects to a wall-mounted socket via secure coupling formations, featuring a linkage to extend the socket to a more convenient location, with modular configurations and safety features like tamper-proof covers and a telescopic arrangement for adjustable length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If extension cords are used to extend the reach of wall-mounted electrical sockets, then the accessibility and flexibility are improved, but safety hazards (tripping, chewing, tampering) and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wall-mounted extender unit as an intermediary device between the original socket and the appliance. This mediator provides a secure, fixed mounting point that eliminates the need for extension cords lying on the floor, thereby removing tripping hazards while maintaining accessibility through the extended reach provided by the linkage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the flexible cable-based extension cord system with a rigid or semi-rigid linkage mechanism mounted on the wall. This mechanical substitution eliminates the hazards associated with loose cables (tripping, chewing, tampering) while providing a stable, secure electrical connection point that is harder for children and animals to access or damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If extension cords are used to extend the reach of wall-mounted electrical sockets, then the accessibility and flexibility are improved, but visual appeal deteriorates due to sagging or coiled cabling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wall-mounted extender unit serves as an intermediary that consolidates the electrical connection point onto the wall surface, eliminating the visual clutter of sagging or coiled cables. The linkage mechanism provides a clean, structured path for cable routing that maintains aesthetic appeal while preserving the flexibility to reach appliances at various positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wall-mounted electrical sockets are relocated through rewiring, then the convenience and accessibility are improved, but cost and manual intensity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a relatively inexpensive, easily installable extender unit that can be mounted on the wall without costly rewiring. This disposable or temporary solution provides the convenience of relocated sockets at a fraction of the cost of permanent electrical rewiring, making it suitable for renters or those unable to undertake major construction work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The extender unit is designed to be easily installed by the end-user without requiring professional electricians or complex rewiring work. The self-service installation capability allows users to relocate their electrical outlet convenience independently, avoiding the high costs and manual intensity of professional rewiring services.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If extension cords are mounted to the wall, then the aesthetic appearance and safety are improved, but adaptability deteriorates when premises contents need reordering

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrelocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a dynamic linkage mechanism that allows the extender unit to be repositioned or reconfigured as needed. This dynamic capability maintains adaptability for reordering premises contents while preserving the safety and aesthetic benefits of wall-mounted installation, as the unit can be easily relocated without damaging the wall or requiring permanent modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11303080B2Electrical socket extender

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 INTELLECTUAL PROD LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrical socket extender to provide an electrical socket remote from a surface/wall-mounted electrical socket. In particular, the present invention relates to an electrical socket extender to provide an electrical socket remote from a surface/wall-mounted electrical socket, the socket extender comprising: a socket engaging portion connectable to the wall-mounted electrical socket; an appliance socket section providing one or more electrical appliance socket; and a linkage which connects the appliance socket section to the socket engaging portion.