Concealable Bench Power Outlet with Sensor-Actuated Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Concealable power outlet assemblies for kitchen benches often require users to manually pull outlets up from the bench, which can be inconvenient and visually unappealing, and may not seamlessly integrate with the benchtop when retracted.
Innovation Solution
A concealable power outlet assembly that uses a housing with slideable power outlet sub-assemblies and a gas compression strut or electric motor actuated by a load cell, allowing the outlets to be easily extended and retracted by pushing on a bench material disk, eliminating the need for visible switches and providing a seamless appearance when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pulling mechanism is used to extend outlets, then outlets can be accessed, but operation convenience deteriorates and visual appeal worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pulling operation with an automated motor-driven system. The motor assembly automatically extends the power outlet sub-assembly when a push button is pressed, eliminating the need for users to manually pull the outlets up. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with an automated electromechanical system directly improves ease of operation while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet assembly performs its own extension and retraction operations automatically through the motor-driven mechanism. When the push button is activated, the system self-actuates to extend the outlets without requiring external manual intervention. This self-service capability improves operational convenience by making the system autonomous in its extension/retraction cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are mounted on bench surface, then power access is provided, but seamless integration deteriorates and aesthetic appeal worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic extension and retraction mechanism that allows the power outlet sub-assembly to move between extended and retracted positions. When not in use, the outlets automatically retract into the bench housing, creating a seamless appearance that matches the benchtop surface. When needed, they extend to provide power access. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable - visible and accessible when needed, hidden and seamless when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet sub-assembly is nested within the housing structure of the bench. The outlets are contained inside the housing and can be extended outward when required, then retracted back into the housing to maintain a seamless benchtop appearance. This nesting arrangement allows the functional elements to be hidden within the aesthetic structure, resolving the conflict between providing power access and maintaining visual appeal.
3Ease of operation
If visible switches are installed for outlet control, then operation control is enabled, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a traditional visible switch and integrates it into a concealed push button mechanism. The push button is positioned such that it can be accessed for operation but remains aesthetically integrated with the bench design. When pressed, it activates the motor to extend or retract the outlets. This extraction and reintegration of the control element maintains operational functionality while preserving the seamless visual appearance of the benchtop.
Solution Approach 2:
The control function is merged with the aesthetic structure of the bench. The push button is integrated into the housing or bench surface in a way that blends with the overall design, rather than standing out as a separate visible control element. This merging of control functionality with the aesthetic form maintains both operational control and visual appeal simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for convenient operation and a seamless integration with the benchtop, as users can simply push down on the bench material to access or conceal the outlets, enhancing user experience and aesthetic appeal by minimizing visual impact.
Implementation Method 1
a gas compression strut positioned within the housing and configured to bias the power outlet sub-assembly towards the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
a gas compression strut positioned within the housing and configured to bias the power outlet sub-assembly towards the retracted position
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor actuated by a load cell, allowing the outlets to be easily extended and retracted by pushing on a bench material disk
Data Source
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AI summary
A concealable power outlet assembly for bench mounting including: a housing for mounting fast with an underside of the bench; a power outlet sub-assembly slideably received by the housing and including an upper portion; a sensor responsive to operative force applied to the upper portion; an extension assembly including an electric actuator responsive to the sensor for sliding the power outlet sub-assembly relative to the housing in response to application of force to the upper portion to thereby bring said sub- assembly to an extended configuration or to a retracted configuration.