In-Wall Power Adapter With Insulated Swappable Control Module
Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing power adapters, particularly in-wall installed ones, due to the risk of electrical shock and the need for professional installation, and often encounter frustration and additional costs when adjusting power adapter placements in newly constructed homes.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter system that allows for easy implementation of control attachments, featuring a design with movable insulating elements and tamper-resistant features, enabling users to change functionalities without direct contact with high-voltage lines, and allowing for flexible upgrades and modifications post-construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a power adapter is in-wall installed and coupled to wires in a wall, then the power adapter provides beneficial control of a load, but replacing the power adapter requires professional installation and poses risk of electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the power adapter into two separate components: a fixed in-wall power adapter unit and a removable control attachment. The control attachment contains the control circuitry and can be easily removed and replaced by users without touching electrical wires, while the power adapter unit remains permanently installed in the wall. This segmentation allows users to change control functionality without professional installation while maintaining safe in-wall operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functionality is extracted from the traditional integrated power adapter and placed into a separate removable control attachment. This control attachment can be easily taken out and replaced by users without any electrical work, while the power adapter unit remains fixed in the wall with permanent wire connections. This extraction eliminates the need for users to handle electrical wires when changing control features.
2Ease of manufacture
If a power adapter is replaced by a homeowner without professional installation, then installation costs are reduced, but the homeowner faces risk of shock or bodily harm and may improperly install the power adapter
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is segmented into a fixed power adapter unit with permanent wire connections and a removable control attachment. The control attachment can be easily installed and removed by homeowners without any electrical work, eliminating safety risks. The power adapter unit is installed once by a professional and remains fixed, ensuring proper electrical connections while allowing users to freely change control attachments without safety concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment serves as an intermediary between the user and the electrical system. Users interact with the control attachment rather than directly with the power adapter unit or electrical wires. This intermediary layer allows users to safely change control functionality without ever needing to touch or understand electrical connections, eliminating both cost and safety issues associated with direct power adapter replacement.
3Productivity
If power adapters are initially placed during new construction, then the electrical system is complete at move-in, but the homeowner may later need to change power adapter placements incurring additional time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is segmented into a fixed power adapter unit and a removable control attachment. The power adapter unit can be permanently installed in the wall during construction at optimal locations, while the control attachment can be easily removed and moved to different locations or replaced with different functionality. This segmentation provides both initial setup efficiency and long-term flexibility without requiring professional reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment is designed to be dynamic and changeable, allowing users to easily swap between different control attachments or move them to different power adapter units. This dynamic design enables the electrical system to adapt to changing user needs and preferences over time without requiring permanent commitments or professional intervention, while maintaining efficient initial installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter adapted to receive a control attachment is described. The power adapter may comprise a first plurality of contact elements having a first contact element adapted to receive a power signal to provide power to a load; an outlet adapted to receive a plug, wherein the outlet comprises a second contact element adapted to receive the power signal; second plurality of contact elements coupled to the first plurality of contact elements, wherein the second plurality of contact elements is adapted to receive corresponding contact elements of a control attachment and a third contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is adapted to receive the power signal; and an insulating element covering the third contact element of the second plurality contact elements; wherein the insulating element is movable to allow a contact element of a control attachment to be coupled to the third contact element.