In-Wall Power Adapter With Segmented Control Attachment

Solution Overview

Problem

Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing in-wall power adapters due to high installation costs and risks of electrical shock, and they often need to adjust power adapter placements over time, leading to additional expenses and dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

An in-wall power adapter system with a control attachment that allows for easy modification of power distribution without direct access to high voltage lines, using a power adapter with contact elements and a switch to control power application, and a method for implementing this system that includes a junction box crossbar and a control attachment for routing power signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a homeowner replaces an in-wall power adapter, then the power adapter functionality can be updated or improved, but the installation cost increases and electrical shock risk arises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower adapter functionalityVSAvoidelectrical shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is divided into two separate replaceable components: a power adapter body that remains installed in the wall, and a control attachment that can be easily swapped. This segmentation allows homeowners to change functionality by replacing only the control attachment, eliminating the need to handle high voltage lines during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power adapter body acts as an intermediary between the high voltage power source and the user-replaceable control attachment. It provides a safe interface that isolates the replacement process from dangerous electrical components, allowing functionality changes without direct exposure to high voltage lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a homeowner replaces an in-wall power adapter, then the power adapter functionality can be updated or improved, but the installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower adapter functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is divided into two separate replaceable components: a power adapter body that remains installed in the wall, and a control attachment that can be easily swapped. This segmentation allows homeowners to change functionality by replacing only the control attachment, eliminating the need to handle high voltage lines during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables homeowners to perform replacements themselves without requiring professional electrician intervention. The control attachment is designed to be user-replaceable through simple connection to the power adapter body, allowing do-it-yourself functionality updates and eliminating installation cost markups.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If power adapter placements are changed over time, then the power distribution can be optimized, but additional expenses and time are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower adapter placement flexibilityVSAvoidtime to change power adapters

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The power adapter is divided into two separate replaceable components: a power adapter body that remains installed in the wall, and a control attachment that can be easily swapped. This segmentation allows homeowners to change functionality by replacing only the control attachment, eliminating the need to handle high voltage lines during replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power adapter body is pre-installed in the wall during initial setup, creating a ready-to-use interface. This preliminary action eliminates the need for future installation work when changing power adapters, as users only need to attach different control attachments to the pre-positioned body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11460874B1In-wall power adapter configured to control the application of power to a load

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SMART POWER PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

An in-wall power adapter configured to control the application of power to a load is described. The in-wall power adapter comprises a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element configured to receive a power signal and a second contact element configured to provide the power signal to the load; a switch configured to control the application of the power signal to the load; and a second plurality of contact elements configured to be coupled to a control attachment for routing the power signal to the load; wherein the second plurality of contact elements comprise a third contact element configured to route the power signal to the control attachment.