Freestanding Electrical Receptacle Weighted Base Bumper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Freestanding electrical receptacles tend to slide or scratch surfaces due to their low coefficient of friction and lack of fixation, making them inconvenient and prone to movement.
Innovation Solution
A freestanding electrical receptacle design featuring a housing with a bumper and a weighted bottom plate that adheres to the surface and adds weight, respectively, to prevent movement and minimize surface damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a hard metal or plastic bottom plate is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the surface of the object may be damaged or blemished
Solution Approach 1:
A soft bumper material is introduced as an intermediary between the hard bottom plate and the surface. The bumper engages with the surface to provide protection, while the hard bottom plate maintains structural integrity. This mediator approach allows both the hard plate and surface protection to coexist without direct contact between the hard plate and surface.
2Strength
If a hard metal or plastic bottom plate is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the electrical receptacle may slide or move undesirably due to low coefficient of friction
Solution Approach 1:
The soft bumper acts as an intermediary that provides frictional engagement with the surface. While the hard bottom plate provides structural strength, the bumper material (such as rubber or foam) contacts the surface to prevent sliding through increased friction, thus maintaining stability without sacrificing strength.
3Ease of operation
If the electrical receptacle is made freestanding for easy repositioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the receptacle becomes prone to movement and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical receptacle is designed with a dynamic base system that allows controlled movement. The combination of the hard bottom plate and soft bumper creates a base that can be easily repositioned when needed but provides stability during use through frictional engagement with the surface. This dynamic design allows the receptacle to transition between mobile and stable states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively immobilizes the receptacle, reducing the likelihood of undesired movement and surface scratches, while allowing for easy repositioning without damaging the surface.
Implementation Method 1
The bumper is configured for adhering the electrical receptacle to the surface of the subject
Implementation Method 2
The bottom plate is configured for weighing down the electrical receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A freestanding electrical receptacle configured for being located on top of a surface of an object. The freestanding electrical receptacle includes a housing with a plurality of housing plates. Each housing plate of the plurality of housing plates has a respective thickness. The freestanding electrical receptacle also includes at least one receptacle located on the housing and at least one bottom plate coupled with the housing. The at least one bottom plate has a thickness which is thicker than the respective thickness of each housing plate of the plurality of housing plates for adding additional weight to the housing. The freestanding electrical receptacle also includes at least one bumper in engagement with the at least one bottom plate.