Extension Cord Plug Lighting for Dark Receptacle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Locating electrical power sources in dark environments is difficult due to the inconvenience of using separate flashlights or work lights, and existing lighting systems obstruct or fail to provide directed illumination in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating battery-operated lighting systems into the plug and receptacle ends of electrical cords, with control buttons and optional motion sensors, to provide convenient and directed illumination without additional components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flashlight or external lighting source is used to locate power sources in dark environments, then illumination is provided, but convenience deteriorates due to the need to carry and handle additional components separately from the electrical cord
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function with the electrical cord by integrating a light source, battery, and control mechanism directly into the plug housing. This merging eliminates the need to carry separate flashlights or work lights, as the lighting capability becomes an inherent part of the cord itself, thereby improving convenience while maintaining illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical cord is transformed into a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides power transmission and illumination capabilities. The plug housing is designed to accommodate both electrical components and lighting components, allowing the single device to serve multiple purposes: delivering electrical power and providing lighting in dark environments
2Illumination intensity
If work lights or spotlights are attached to receptacle ends to provide illumination, then lighting is available, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the light source, battery, and control mechanism directly into the plug housing, combining multiple functions into a single component rather than requiring separate work lights or spotlights to be attached to the receptacle end. This reduces the total number of components and simplifies the overall system
3Illumination intensity
If a bulb or drop light is used to illuminate tight spaces, then illumination is provided, but the light source occupies too much space and may blind the user by directing light back at them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs the light beam forward through the plug housing in a specific direction toward the work area, rather than allowing light to radiate in all directions as with a traditional bulb. This directional lighting provides illumination where needed while minimizing light that would reflect back at the user, and the compact integrated design occupies minimal space
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting function is integrated into the existing three-dimensional structure of the plug housing, utilizing the available space within the housing rather than adding external lighting components. The light source is positioned and oriented to project illumination forward along the direction of the cord, effectively using the plug's own geometry to achieve directed lighting without increasing overall volume
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
Enables easy location of power sources and illumination of work areas with minimal obstruction, enhancing usability in dark environments and tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-operated lighting source is incorporated into the plug portion of the electrical cord
Implementation Method 2
The battery-operated lighting system is relatively small and self-contained within the plug housing
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system is incorporated into the ends of the electrical power cords to provide light when working in dark environments. The lighting source is preferably battery-operated, thus allowing the user to find power receptacles when in these dark environments. Additionally, a second power source is included in the plug receptacle end, which can be battery-powered or can be powered by electrical power carried within the power lines. The ends of the extension cord include supports.