Conductive Panel Outlet Mount for Invisible Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems in commercial and domestic spaces require complex wiring installations that are aesthetically unpleasing, difficult to maintain, and limit flexibility in positioning electrical elements, necessitating professional rewiring for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A novel AC/DC electrical mount system that draws power from spaced apart conductive panels on a non-conductive surface, allowing for easy installation and repositioning of electrical elements without visible wiring, using a frame with electrical contact elements to provide power to elements both within and external to the panel space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional wiring methods (cable trucking, false ceilings, wall slots) are used to hide electrical wiring, then the wiring is concealed and protected, but the installation becomes complex, requires additional maintenance, and traps dirt easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for conventional hiding methods by extracting the wiring from the equation entirely. Conductive panels are applied directly to the surface, eliminating false ceilings, cable trucking, and wall slots. This resolves the contradiction by making the wiring system inherently invisible while simplifying installation to a straightforward panel application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical wiring concealment systems with a direct electrical conduction approach through panels. Instead of using mechanical structures like false ceilings and trunking to hide wires, the system uses conductive panels that both conceal and conduct electricity, thereby simplifying the overall installation while achieving the desired aesthetic effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If invisible wiring systems with thin copper tracks are used, then the wiring becomes barely noticeable, but the system requires professional electricians for installation and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical system into modular conductive panels that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. Each panel acts as a self-contained unit with conductive properties, allowing users to move or reposition electrical elements by simply relocating panels rather than rewiring entire systems. This segmentation enables layperson-level ease of operation while maintaining invisibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the electrical wiring system from a static, fixed installation into a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Conductive panels can be easily moved, added, or removed from surfaces, allowing the electrical layout to adapt to changing needs without professional intervention. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between invisibility and ease of repositioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical track lighting systems are used to provide flexibility in positioning light fixtures, then repositioning is easier, but the track dimensions and positioning ultimately limit where fixtures can be placed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the conductive panels universal by enabling them to serve multiple functions: they act as both the structural surface element and the electrical conduction medium. Any panel on any surface can potentially power electrical elements, removing the need for predetermined tracks or wiring paths. This universality provides complete positioning freedom while maintaining aesthetic invisibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electrical conduction function from the panel itself rather than requiring separate track systems. By making the panels inherently conductive, the system eliminates the need for visible tracks, rails, or wiring infrastructure that would limit positioning flexibility. This extraction resolves both the visibility and adaptability concerns simultaneously.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrified tracks with grooves for power outlets are used, then outlets can be added and repositioned, but the grooves trap dirt and insects and are hard and hazardous to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical contact function from groove-based systems and integrates it directly into the panel surfaces. Electrical elements contact the conductive panels directly through designed contact points or embedded contacts, eliminating the need for grooves that trap debris. This extraction resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while achieving easy cleaning through smooth, groove-free surfaces.
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 an aesthetically pleasing, easy-to-maintain, and flexible power supply system that allows for repositioning of electrical elements by laypersons, eliminating the need for visible wiring and reducing maintenance complexity while maintaining an unobstructed view.
Implementation Method 1
The space between the two panels electrically isolates them from one another, these two panels being active conductors and arranged to receive either Direct Current (DC) or Alternating Current (AC) from a power source
Implementation Method 2
an electrical insulator arranged to electrically isolate the first electrical contact from the second electrical contact
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet mount for externally mounting on a pair of conductive panes or conductive material on a pair of non-conductive panes. The mount is used for powering electrical/electronic elements and can be installed quickly and easily, and which offers an attractive finish with unobstructed view. The electrical outlet mount has a back end and a front end, a first electrical contact element located at the back end arranged for electrical contact with a first conductive panel and a second electrical contact element located towards the front end, in spaced arrangement from the first electrical contact element for electrical contact with a second conductive panel. The electrical outlet mount may extend out through an opening in one of the panels to receive electrical/electronic elements disposed externally to such space.