Concealable Bench Power Outlet with Sensor-Driven Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional concealable power outlet assemblies for benchtops require users to manually pull the outlets up for use, which can be inconvenient and visually unappealing, and often necessitate a separate switch or button for operation.
Innovation Solution
A concealable power outlet assembly with a housing and a slideable power outlet sub-assembly that uses a sensor and electric actuator, such as a motor-driven pinion and rack system or a compressed gas strut, to extend or retract the outlets upon user force application, allowing seamless integration with the benchtop and eliminating the need for external operation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used to pull outlets up for use, then the structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates and visual appearance worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pulling operation with an automated motor-driven pinion and rack system. The sensor detects user intent and automatically activates the motor to extend or retract the power outlet sub-assembly, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The power outlet assembly performs self-service by automatically extending or retracting in response to sensor detection. The system monitors user interaction through the sensor and autonomously actuates the motor-driven mechanism to position the outlets, removing the need for external manual operation or separate switch mechanisms.
2Shape
If manual pulling mechanism is used, then the device complexity remains low, but the visual integration and seamless appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet sub-assembly is nested within the housing and can be completely retracted into it, creating a seamless appearance when not in use. The motor-driven pinion and rack mechanism is also contained within the housing, allowing the entire assembly to maintain a clean, integrated visual appearance while providing automated functionality.
3Ease of operation
If separate switch or button is added for operation, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity and visual integration worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensing function, control logic, and actuation mechanism into a single integrated system. The sensor is positioned to detect user interaction directly, and its signal automatically triggers the motor-driven mechanism, combining multiple functions into one unified assembly that eliminates the need for separate switches or buttons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user intent through the sensor and autonomously actuating the power outlet sub-assembly. The motor-driven mechanism responds directly to sensor input without requiring external switch operation, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of use.
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 provides a convenient and visually integrated power outlet system where users can simply push on the bench material to activate the outlets, offering easy operation and a seamless appearance when retracted, without the need for additional switches or buttons.
Implementation Method 1
an extension assembly including an electric actuator responsive to the sensor for sliding the power outlet sub-assembly relative to the housing
Implementation Method 2
a biasing arrangement spacing the sensor from the upper portion in the absence of the operative force wherein upon application of operative force to the holder the biasing arrangement is overcome for operation of the sensor by the upper portion
Data Source
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.