Light Fixture with Concealed Charging Receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of portable electronic devices leads to cord clutter and entanglement, increasing the risk of tripping and damaging devices due to the complexity of charging multiple devices simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A light fixture design incorporating a fixture body with a shroud and a power or communication receptacle, where the receptacle is strategically positioned and concealed by the shroud to maintain aesthetics while allowing access, often with a pull-down mechanism or sliding door for easy access, and can be mounted on ceilings or walls to manage cords effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the power or communication receptacle is disposed on the fixture body in a location at least partially concealed by the shroud, then the aesthetic appeal of the fixture is maintained, but the accessibility of the receptacle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle cover is designed to be movable between a closed position (concealing the receptacle for aesthetic purposes) and an open position (providing access for charging devices). This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by allowing the fixture to switch between aesthetic mode and functional mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture is segmented into distinct functional zones: the shroud that conceals the light emitter, the receptacle cover that conceals the power/communication receptacle, and the mounting stem with receiver. This segmentation allows each component to independently address its specific function while maintaining overall aesthetic integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple portable devices are charged simultaneously using adapter cords, then the charging capability is increased, but the cord clutter and tripping hazard increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single fixture: light emission, power charging, and communication connectivity. By integrating the power receptacle and communication receptacle into the fixture body, multiple devices can be charged and connected without requiring separate adapter cords lying on the floor, thus eliminating cord clutter while maintaining multi-device charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture body serves multiple universal functions: it houses the light emitter for illumination, contains the power receptacle for charging devices, and includes the communication receptacle for data transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate charging stations and reduces the number of cords required.
3Shape
If the receptacle cover moves between closed and open positions, then the aesthetic appeal is maintained when closed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle cover is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional power sources, motors, or complex control systems. The user simply opens or closes the cover as needed, making the system self-service and avoiding the addition of electrical complexity while maintaining the aesthetic benefit of concealment.
Data Source
AI summary
A light fixture includes a mount configured to mount onto a mounting surface and a stem having a first end attached to the mount and extending in a first direction away from the mount with respect to the mounting surface to a second end. The light fixture further includes at least one arm having a first end attached to the stem and extending in a second direction away from the stem with respect to the mounting surface to a second end, the second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction. The light fixture includes a socket disposed on the second end of the at least one arm for receiving a light emitter and a power receptacle and/or a communication receptacle disposed on the second end of the stem.