Furniture Electrical Hub With Clip Mounting and Protected Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved electronic assemblies that can be integrated into modern furniture to provide a convenient and secure power source for electronic devices, as existing solutions often require multiple power strips and cords, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an electrical hub within furniture assemblies, featuring a securement panel offset from the outlets, an installation clip that moves between extended and compressed positions for easy mounting and removal, and various types of outlets such as USB ports and audio jacks, allowing for secure and versatile power distribution within the furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical outlets are integrated directly into furniture, then power accessibility is improved, but safety and security of electrical connections deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical hub is nested within a cavity in the transverse member of the furniture assembly. The securement panel with offset outlets creates a protective enclosure that houses electrical connections internally while providing external access points, ensuring both safety and accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electrical hub is permanently fixed in furniture, then connection stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of removal deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The installation clip is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to be selectively engaged and disengaged. The clip can be inserted through an opening in the transverse member to secure the hub, and later removed to allow hub extraction, providing dynamic security rather than permanent fixation.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple power strips and cords are used, then power distribution capacity is improved, but device complexity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical outlets (including USB ports and audio jacks) are merged into a single integrated electrical hub unit. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate power strips and cords into one unified device, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive power distribution capability.
4Ease of operation
If electrical outlets are exposed on furniture surface, then accessibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance and protection from harmful factors deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical outlets are nested within the securement panel structure that is offset from the furniture surface. This creates a protected cavity that shields electrical connections from environmental hazards while maintaining accessible outlet openings for plug insertion.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical furniture assembly has: (i) a furniture assembly comprising: (A) a base, (B) a transverse member, and (C) a coupler for coupling the base to the transverse member; and (ii) an electrical hub configured to selectively reside within the furniture assembly. The electrical hub features: (A) an electrical outlet assembly; (B) a securement panel; and (C) a spring-biased installation clip. The electrical hub is selectively secured at least partially within a transverse member of a furniture assembly and may be plugged into an external power source to supply power to various electronic devices conveniently used by a user sitting on the furniture assembly.