Flush-Mounted Socket With Integrated USB Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush-mounted sockets do not efficiently support the charging of mobile audio or communication devices like mobile phones and MP3 players, as they lack integrated power supply units and accessible USB connections for direct energy charging.
Innovation Solution
A flush-mounted socket design with a central disk and socket base housing that integrates a power supply unit connected to the 230V AC mains, featuring a front-accessible USB connection for charging mobile devices, allowing both USB and standard plug connections to the 230V AC voltage network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flush-mounted socket is designed with only a standard socket pot for 230V AC connections, then the structure remains simple and installation is straightforward, but it cannot charge mobile audio or communication devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a standard socket pot and a USB connection into a single integrated central disk. The socket base housing contains both the socket pot for 230V AC connections and the USB connection for mobile device charging, allowing both functions to coexist in one unified structure without requiring separate devices or complex installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flush-mounted socket is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both traditional 230V AC power connections through the socket pot and USB charging capability for mobile devices. The integrated power supply unit enables the socket to serve as both a standard electrical outlet and a mobile device charger, eliminating the need for separate charging devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an integrated power supply unit is added to the socket base for USB charging, then mobile devices can be charged directly, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is integrated into the socket base housing as a single assembly, combining the electrical components for both 230V AC power and USB charging into one unified structure. This integration allows the entire assembly to be installed as a single unit, simplifying the installation process despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flush-mounted socket is divided into distinct functional components: the socket base housing containing the power supply unit, the central disk with socket pot and USB connection, and the cover plate. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and simplified installation, where each component can be prepared separately and then assembled together.
3Ease of operation
If the USB connection is made accessible from the front, then user convenience is improved, but the internal wiring and component layout become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The USB connection is positioned on the front surface of the central disk, which itself is mounted on the front face of the socket base housing. This spatial arrangement brings the USB port to the front dimension, making it easily accessible to users while the internal wiring and components are organized in the depth dimension behind the front panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB connection is integrated into the central disk along with the socket pot, combining both connection types in a single front-facing component. This merging allows both USB and AC power connections to be accessed from the same location, simplifying the user interface while the internal structure handles the complexity of routing both power supplies.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a flush-mounted socket (1) for receiving a plug, ° comprising a central plate (4) which has a socket receptacle (6) and in which an externally accessible USB terminal (10) is introduced outside of the socket receptacle (6), said USB terminal being provided with an electric plug device (11) on the USB terminal rear face directed towards a socket base (15), and ° comprising a socket base (15) which can be mechanically connected to the central plate (4) and in the socket housing (25) of which a power supply unit (29) is integrated for the power supply/charge of a mobile audio or communication device, the input side of said power supply unit being connected to the 230V AC voltage network, ° wherein an electric plug device (32) is provided on the front-side cover plate of the socket housing (25), said plug device being connected to the output of the power supply unit (29) and being suitable for contacting the electric plug device (11) of the USB terminal.