External Quick Connect Modular Plug for Wiring Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of electrical wiring devices are labor-intensive and require skilled electricians, leading to high financial costs, and there is a risk of electrical hazards due to improper power handling during the process.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical wiring system that includes an external plug and a connector, allowing for a safer and more efficient installation process by providing an electrical pathway from building wires to the wiring device, which can be completed by non-skilled electricians, reducing the need for pigtail connections and ensuring proper electrical coupling without exposing live contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wiring installation methods are used with exposed wire leads and pigtail connections, then electrical wiring devices can be installed, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and requires skilled electricians
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the electrical connection system into separate modular components: an external plug attached to the wiring device and a separate connector that interfaces with the building wiring. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex pigtail connections and allows non-skilled personnel to perform installations by simply plugging the external plug into the connector.
Solution Approach 2:
The external plug acts as an intermediary component between the wiring device and the building wiring. Instead of directly connecting wire leads to the device (which requires skilled labor), the external plug provides a simplified interface that mediates the connection, making installation easier and safer.
2Productivity
If power is not turned off during installation or maintenance, then work can proceed without interruption, but electrical hazards are created for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The external plug and connector interface creates a safe intermediary point for electrical connections. The connector can be safely attached or detached without exposing personnel to live contacts, as the design prevents accidental contact with energized components during the connection process.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates safety features that prevent electrical hazards before they can occur. The external plug and connector are designed to ensure proper alignment and connection before electrical contact is made, preventing accidental shocks or short circuits during installation or maintenance operations.
3Reliability
If multiple wire leads require pigtail connections, then proper electrical coupling can be achieved, but the installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The external plug combines multiple electrical connection functions into a single integrated component. Instead of requiring separate pigtail connections for each wire lead, the external plug consolidates all necessary electrical connections into one plug-and-play interface, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The modular electrical wiring device includes an electrical wiring device and an external plug that is electrically coupled by one or more wires to the wiring device. The modular plug is releasably coupled to a connector in a male-female relationship. Both the modular plug and connector include internal contacts for electrically coupling one to the other. The connector is electrically coupled to and terminates one or more building wires, which are used to provide power to one or more of the wiring devices. The external plug is removably coupled to the connector to provide electrical power to the wiring device by establishing and electrical pathway from a source of electrical power, through the building wires, the connector and the modular plug to the wiring device.