In-Wall Power Adapter Interface for Safe Control Attachment Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing in-wall power adapters, which can be costly and risky, and often require professional installation, especially in newly constructed homes where the optimal placement of power adapters is not immediately known, leading to frustration and additional expenses.
Innovation Solution
An in-wall power adapter system with accessible contact elements and a control attachment that allows for easy configuration and modification of power distribution without the need for professional installation, featuring a housing with a planar surface for a wall plate and recess for a control attachment, enabling users to change functionality without exposing themselves to high voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a homeowner attempts to replace an in-wall power adapter without professional help, then installation cost is reduced, but safety risk and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is divided into two separate components: a fixed in-wall unit and a removable control attachment. This segmentation allows the control attachment to be easily replaced by homeowners without dealing with the high-voltage wiring inside the wall, reducing safety risks while maintaining cost benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the user and the power adapter system. Homeowners can replace or modify the control attachment without exposing themselves to the electrical hazards of the main power adapter, thus reducing safety risks while maintaining ease of installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional power adapters are replaced to change functionality, then power control needs are updated, but installation complexity and professional requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the complex in-wall power adapter from the functional control attachment. This allows homeowners to update power control functionality by simply replacing the control attachment, which is designed for easy installation without professional help, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment is designed as a universal component that can be used with different in-wall power adapters and configured for various power control needs. This universality allows homeowners to change functionality without dealing with complex installation requirements, as the same basic attachment interface works across different configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-wall power adapter configured to control an application of power to a load is described. The in-wall power adapter comprises a first plurality of contact elements accessible on an outer surface of the in-wall power adapter, the first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element configured to receive a power signal; a second plurality of contact elements configured to be coupled to a control attachment for routing the power signal to a load; and a housing having a planar surface for receiving a wall plate adapted to be coupled to the in-wall power adapter; wherein the planar surface comprises a recess for receiving a flange of a control attachment adapted to be coupled to the in-wall power adapter.