Duplex Receptacle Illumination with Backlit LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duplex receptacles are difficult to locate and use in dark environments, leading to safety hazards and inconvenience due to lack of adequate illumination for the receiving sockets, with existing solutions either providing too much ambient light or being costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A duplex receptacle with two light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed behind the electrodes of the receiving sockets, connected to a simple LED circuit that filters light to only illuminate the sockets indirectly, drawing less than a quarter of a watt of power and allowing continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a duplex receptacle is installed in a dark room, then it provides electrical connectivity, but it becomes difficult to locate and use due to lack of illumination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing LEDs specifically behind the receiving sockets to provide localized illumination only where needed for plugging appliances, rather than illuminating the entire room. This targeted approach provides sufficient light for the task while minimizing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the electrical parameters of the receptacle circuit itself to power the LEDs, changing the state of the circuit to provide both power for appliances and illumination. The LEDs are connected to the hot and neutral terminals, allowing them to operate when power is present without requiring separate wiring.
2Illumination intensity
If existing illumination solutions are used, then the receptacle becomes visible, but they provide too much ambient light or are costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination function with the existing receptacle structure by integrating LEDs directly into the receptacle body behind the sockets. This combination eliminates the need for separate nightlight devices or complex wiring, providing visibility while maintaining simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves itself by using its own electrical circuit to power the illumination. The LEDs are connected to the hot and neutral terminals, allowing the receptacle to provide both power to appliances and self-illumination without requiring external power sources or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If a person tries to locate the receptacle in the dark by feeling, then they may find it, but they risk electric shock from contact with exposed conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing illumination before the user attempts to locate or use the receptacle. The LEDs light up the receiving sockets in advance, allowing users to see and properly align plug prongs with the correct slots without needing to touch or feel for the conductors, thereby preventing electric shock.
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
Provides targeted illumination for the sockets without significant ambient light, enhancing safety and usability in dark environments while maintaining a low power consumption and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
A duplex receptacle with two light emitting diodes (LEDs) placed behind the electrodes of the receiving sockets
Data Source
AI summary
An illuminated duplex receptacle allows a small amount of light to escape from both the upper and lower sets of receiving sockets. The present invention adds to a standard duplex outlet by placing two light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) inside the plastic housing. One LED is placed behind the electrodes for the upper set of sockets. One LED is placed behind the electrodes for the lower set of sockets. The electrodes are interposed between the LEDs and the receiving sockets. In this way, only a small amount of indirect light filters out of the receiving sockets. In one embodiment, the LEDs run at one-quarter watt or less of continuous power. In an alternative embodiment, the housing is translucent, and the LEDs run at one watt or more of continuous power.