Flush Wall Socket Adapter with Metal Apertures for USB Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to provide a user-operable way to add a USB outlet to a wall socket without protruding from the wall, compromising both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A socket apparatus comprising a thin plate shaped to fit over a wall outlet, with metal apertures or springy rings to receive electric supply and convert it for a USB outlet or other electric gadgets, ensuring the apparatus remains flush with the wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a removable socket apparatus is used to add USB outlet functionality to a wall socket, then user operability and functionality are improved, but the apparatus protrudes from the wall which compromises aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The socket apparatus is designed to nest within the wall outlet opening itself. The plate fits over the front surface of the wall outlet with metal apertures that receive the wall outlet sockets, allowing the apparatus to be contained within the existing wall opening rather than protruding outward like traditional removable sockets.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the conventional three-dimensional protruding socket design to a two-dimensional plate design that fits flush against the wall surface. By changing the dimensional approach from protruding outward to lying flat against the wall, the apparatus maintains functionality while eliminating the aesthetic drawback of protrusion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a wall socket including USB outlet is used, then functionality is improved, but replacement is not user operable which compromises ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The socket system is divided into two independent components: a permanent wall outlet and a removable socket apparatus. This segmentation allows the USB outlet functionality to be added via the removable apparatus while keeping the wall infrastructure intact, enabling user-operable replacement without requiring replacement of the entire wall socket.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket apparatus provides multi-functionality by combining both standard electrical outlets and USB outlets in a single removable unit. This universal design allows the apparatus to serve multiple purposes and be replaced by users according to their specific needs without requiring custom installations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a removable socket is used to provide multiple outputs, then versatility is improved, but the socket protrudes from the wall outlet which compromises aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The socket apparatus nests multiple output functions including USB outlets and electrical sockets within the confines of the wall outlet opening. The plate design with multiple metal apertures allows various outputs to be contained within the wall plane rather than protruding outward, maintaining aesthetic appeal while providing versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A socket apparatus, including a plate for being held by sockets of a wall outlet in contact with a front surface of the wall outlet, the plate shaped complementary to the front surface of the wall outlet and having holes shaped and located corresponding to the sockets of the wall outlet; metal apertures, each extending from one of the holes of the plate, the metal apertures for receiving electric supply from the sockets of the wall outlet, and for inserting prongs of a plug of an electric appliance thereinto, an electric gadget, for providing an electric function, and an electric circuit, for receiving electric supply from the metal apertures, and for converting the electric supply to the electric function. The wall socket further includes an extension pin, for allowing attaching thereof to at least one of the prongs of the plug of the electric appliance, for extending thereof.