Electrical receptacle assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical receptacles face challenges with varying supporting surface thicknesses, displacement of outlets, and difficulty in installation and relocation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power receptacle assembly with a securing member and adjustable geometry to accommodate different surface thicknesses, ensuring outlets remain exposed and easily installable/relocatable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed mounting arrangements are used, then the receptacle can be securely attached to a supporting surface, but it cannot accommodate varying thicknesses of supporting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic mounting system where the support flange can rotate between a first position (flush with supporting surface) and a second position (exposed beyond supporting surface). This rotational movement allows the same mounting arrangement to adapt to varying thicknesses of supporting surfaces without requiring multiple different mounting configurations, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the positional parameter of the support flange relative to the supporting surface. By allowing the flange to rotate and change its position from flush to exposed, the system can accommodate different surface thicknesses using a single mounting arrangement, avoiding the need for multiple complex mounting options.
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is permanently attached to a supporting surface, then it provides stable power distribution, but it cannot be easily relocated or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mounting system into separable components: the support flange that attaches to the supporting surface and the receptacle body that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the receptacle to be permanently secured through the flange while maintaining the ability to relocate the entire assembly by removing and reattaching the flange, thus resolving the contradiction between relocation ease and attachment stability.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical outlets are kept exposed for constant access, then user convenience is improved, but the outlets may be unintentionally displaced or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the support flange can rotate between a first position that covers the outlets (protecting them from displacement) and a second position that exposes the outlets (providing user access). This dynamic positioning allows the same structure to fulfill both protective and accessible functions, resolving the contradiction between outlet accessibility and displacement protection.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle assembly, comprising a housing including a back, a plurality of sides, and a front opening; a face plate attached to the housing; a support flange attached to the housing; at least one electrical outlet attached to one of the plurality of sides; a connection member attached to the back, the connection member including a plurality of openings; and a securing member for releasable engagement with the connection member, the securing member including an engagement tab and an opening for a fastener The electrical receptacle assembly can be secured to a supporting surface in an open position by a combination of fasteners and the securing member.