In-Wall Power Extension Apparatus for Safe Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for routing electrical power and audio/video cables to wall-mounted devices, such as televisions, often require unsightly cords and can be dangerous and costly, as they typically need professional installation, violating safety codes and posing risks of electrical shorts.
Innovation Solution
A UL-listed in-wall power extension apparatus with input and output enclosures and insulated wiring allows safe and legal installation without a licensed electrician, routing power and audio/video signals from existing outlets to wall-mounted devices through pre-cut wall openings, using sealed and fire-resistant materials to prevent electrical hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If extension cords are routed inside walls to power wall-mounted devices, then cord visibility is eliminated and aesthetics are improved, but electrical safety deteriorates due to heat buildup and code violations
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the electrical connection path into separate segments: an input enclosure at the bottom containing the extension cord connection, and an output enclosure at the top containing the wall outlet. This segmentation allows the extension cord to remain outside the wall while achieving aesthetic concealment, resolving the contradiction between appearance and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (input and output enclosures with mounting brackets) that mediate between the extension cord and the wall-mounted device. These intermediaries provide safe electrical connections while enabling the cord to be routed externally, thus maintaining both aesthetics and electrical safety.
2Reliability
If professional electricians are hired to install electrical outlets behind televisions, then electrical safety and code compliance are ensured, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables DIY installation through pre-fabricated input and output enclosures with integrated mounting brackets and clear assembly instructions. Users can independently install the system by mounting the enclosures and connecting the extension cord, eliminating the need for professional electricians while maintaining code compliance through UL listing.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosures are pre-assembled with mounting brackets and electrical connections prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply mount the pre-configured units and connect the extension cord, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost while ensuring code-compliant construction.
3Ease of operation
If extension cords are used inside walls, then flexibility and ease of installation are improved, but the cords may crack, expose bare wires, and create electrical shorts due to lack of ventilation
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the extension cord from the wall cavity and positions it externally between the input and output enclosures. This extraction eliminates the harmful effects of heat buildup and ventilation deprivation that would occur if the cord remained inside the wall, while the enclosures provide protected connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The input and output enclosures provide protective housing for the electrical connections before the extension cord is subjected to environmental stress. This beforehand protection prevents heat damage, cracking, and exposure of bare wires by providing ventilated, code-compliant connection points.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the apparatus and/or methods are described for routing power to a wall-mounted appliance, particularly for routing electrical wiring and audio/video cabling up through a wall to power and communicate with a wall-mounted presentation device. The apparatus and systems include input and output enclosures with wiring therebetween and mechanisms for mounting the input and output enclosures adjacent to pre-cut wall openings. There exists at least one electrical input connector, disposed within the input enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a power source, and at least one electrical output connector, disposed within the output enclosure, configured to electrically couple with a wall-mounted appliance.