Extendable Electrical Plug With Removable Extension Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical plugs with additional functionalities are not easily removable or interchangeable, requiring replacement of the entire plug when additional functions need to be changed or removed, and often require modifications to the socket outlet for installation.
Innovation Solution
An extendable electrical plug with a frame that includes a connector for existing sockets and interface elements for removably connecting extension modules, allowing for easy addition and removal of additional functionalities without altering the socket outlet, and featuring a design that completely covers the socket when plugged in.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional functionalities are fixedly connected to the socket outlet, then the socket function is maintained, but the additional functionality cannot be easily replaced or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical plug is divided into separate functional modules: a base unit with socket functionality and detachable extension modules with additional functionalities (USB charging, lighting, etc.). The interface elements allow these modules to be connected and disconnected independently, enabling replacement of additional functionalities without affecting the core socket function.
Solution Approach 2:
The base electrical plug unit is designed with universal interface elements that can accommodate multiple types of extension modules. This allows a single base unit to support various additional functionalities through interchangeable modules, making the system multi-functional while maintaining the core socket capability.
2Ease of operation
If the cover of the original socket outlet is removed to plug in the device, then the device can be installed, but the installation process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the additional functionalities from the wall socket outlet itself and places them in detachable extension modules that attach to a standard electrical plug. This allows the device to be installed in any standard outlet without modifying the outlet or removing its cover, simplifying the installation process while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the entire electrical plug needs to be changed when additional functionality needs to be replaced, then the socket function remains intact, but the replacement process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrical plug into a permanent base unit and replaceable extension modules, the invention allows users to replace only the additional functionality module rather than the entire plug. This significantly reduces replacement time while ensuring the socket function in the base unit remains intact and unaffected.
4Productivity
If multiple socket outlets are provided in a room, then more appliances can be used, but the number of outlets is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes each electrical outlet more versatile by allowing extension modules with additional functionalities (USB ports, lighting, etc.) to be attached to the base plug. This effectively multiplies the capabilities of each outlet without requiring physical installation of additional outlets, thereby increasing the number of appliances and devices that can be simultaneously powered and controlled.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention provides an extendable electrical plug (1). The extendable electrical plug (1) comprises a frame (2) with a front side and a back side. At its back side, the frame (2) comprises a connector (3) with contact pins (4) for plugging into an existing socket outlet (10) in a wall (11). At its front side, the frame (2) comprises a socket function (5) for receiving pins of an electrical plug of an electrical appliance. The electrical plug (1) furthermore comprises at least one interface element (6) for connecting to a compatible interface element (8) of at least one extension module (7), for removably connecting the at least one extension module (7) to the electrical plug (1) for providing an additional functionality to the electrical plug (1). The interface element (6, 8) are adapted for providing power to the at least one extension module (7) and for providing communication between the electrical plug (1) and the at least one extension module (7).