Illuminated Receptacle with Tamper-Resistant Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacles lack effective illumination of tamper-resistant (TR) plug openings, making it difficult for users to locate and identify power outlets, especially in emergency or pediatric areas where safety and accessibility are critical.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a platform assembly within the receptacle that diffusely transmits light from LEDs to translucent or partially translucent movable TR members, directly illuminating the socket blade openings, and the use of flexible printed circuit boards for edge lighting on the receptacle face or wall plate to provide visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light emitting source is located behind a window on the cover to indicate power connection, then the power status is clearly indicated, but the socket blade openings are not illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into separate light emitting sources: one behind the window for power status indication and additional sources positioned to illuminate the socket blade openings. This segmentation allows each area to be independently illuminated according to its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the receptacle receive different illumination qualities: the window area receives illumination from behind for power status indication, while the socket blade openings receive direct illumination from strategically positioned light emitting sources to enhance visibility and location identification.
2Reliability
If the receptacle is designed as a tamper-resistant mechanism with movable members, then safety is improved, but the visibility and location of plug openings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Light emitting sources are positioned to illuminate the socket blade openings and movable TR members in advance, making these safety-critical areas visible before users attempt to use the receptacle. This preliminary illumination helps users easily locate and identify the correct plug openings while maintaining tamper-resistant functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes light emitting sources that can provide visual cues through illumination, potentially incorporating color differentiation to indicate operational status and guide users to the correct plug openings, enhancing both safety and usability of the tamper-resistant mechanism.
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
Enhances user safety by clearly illuminating TR plug openings and power outlets, aiding in easy location and identification, thereby improving accessibility and reducing the risk of improper use or accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting source (not shown) such as a light emitting diode is located behind the window and coupled across the phase and neutral contacts of the receptacle to provide a positive indication (illumination) that the receptacle 10 is connected to a live circuit.
Implementation Method 2
a platform assembly for illuminating a TR receptacle, e.g., an electrical power outlet receptacle, that is adapted to diffusely transmit light to a receptacle opening from an illuminator
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an illuminated receptacle. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the receptacle preferably includes a body, a cover for coupling to said body, said cover having one or more sockets for receiving a plug, a tamper resistant (TR) platform associated with each of the one or more sockets, each of the TR platforms being disposed between the body and the cover, each of the TR platforms including a cavity and an aperture extending thru said platform in said cavity, a slider disposed within each of the cavities of the platform and aligned with the openings of a respective socket, and a light source disposed within each of the apertures formed in the platforms, the light sources operatively coupled to electrical power for generating light to illuminate said slider, the light sources being positioned to directly transmit light to the sliders.