Outlet Device with Counterweight for Bilateral Desk Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outlet devices are limited in their functionality as they cannot simultaneously provide outlets both over and under a surface, such as a desk, due to their fixed positioning.
Innovation Solution
An outlet device with a counterweight portion, a hanging portion, and an extending portion, where the counterweight portion is placed under a plate and the hanging portion is positioned on the plate, maintaining balance through weight distribution, and featuring multiple power outlets, including AC and DC outlets, to satisfy the need for outlets both above and below the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional outlet device is disposed on or under a desk, then it can provide power outlets, but it cannot simultaneously satisfy the condition where outlets are needed both over and under the desk
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet device is divided into two separate portions: a counterweight portion with a first outlet unit and a hanging portion with a second outlet unit. This segmentation allows each portion to be positioned independently (under the desk and on the desk respectively), enabling simultaneous outlet access both above and below the desk surface while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane outlet configuration to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement by extending outlets in both vertical directions (above and below the desk). The hanging portion extends upward from the counterweight portion, creating outlets in multiple spatial dimensions and allowing users to access power both over and under the desk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hanging portion is positioned on the plate and the counterweight portion is placed under the plate, then outlets are provided both above and below the surface, but the device must maintain static balance through weight distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a counterweight portion specifically designed to balance the hanging portion positioned on the plate. By strategically placing the counterweight portion under the plate and using its weight to offset the hanging portion's weight, the device achieves static balance and remains stable in its hung position without requiring additional support structures.
3Volume of moving object
If the extending portion width is less than or equal to the lateral distance from the free end, then the device achieves compact design, but the structural arrangement becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The extending portion is designed with asymmetric dimensions where its width is deliberately made less than or equal to the lateral distance from its free end. This asymmetric proportioning creates a compact, space-efficient design while the specific geometric relationship provides inherent structural stability, reducing the need for additional complex support elements.
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 device allows for the simultaneous provision of outlets above and below a surface, ensuring static balance and flexibility in placement, accommodating different environments and user needs.
Implementation Method 1
the hanging portion remains hung on the plate by using the weight distribution of the outlet device, thereby maintaining the outlet device in a static balance state
Data Source
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AI summary
An outlet device (100) for hanging on a plate (200) includes a counterweight portion (1), a hanging portion (2) arranged distant from the counterweight portion (1), an extending portion (3) having two ends respectively connected to the counterweight portion (1) and the hanging portion (2), and a power cord (4) connected to the counterweight portion (1). Each of the counterweight portion (1) and the hanging portion (2) has an outlet unit electrically connected to the power cord (4). The outlet device (100) is configured so that the counterweight portion (1) is arranged under the plate (200) and the hanging portion (2) is arranged on the plate (200), and the hanging portion (2) remains hung on the plate (200) by using the weight distribution of the outlet device (100), thereby maintaining the outlet device (100) in a static balance state.