Modular Electrical Outlet Assembly for Safe Frame Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical outlets with movable covers face issues in aesthetics, ease of disassembly, and safety, particularly for inexperienced users, due to complex disassembly processes and potential electrical hazards.

Innovation Solution

An electrical outlet design featuring a subassembly with a cylindrical casing, snap-fitting means, and an insulating covering, allowing easy and safe exchange of aesthetic frames and components, with a shutter mechanism for dust protection and robust construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the outlet uses a hermetic fixing method for the casing to the switch box, then electrical safety is improved, but ease of disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidease of disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet is divided into separate modules: a fixed switch box and a removable subassembly containing the casing, aesthetic frame, and electrical components. This segmentation allows the switch box to remain permanently fixed for safety while the other components can be easily removed for maintenance or aesthetic changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the outlet provides direct access to connection terminals, then ease of assembly is improved, but safety deteriorates due to electrical hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidelectrical hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The subassembly is pre-assembled with all electrical connections made beforehand in a safe environment. The complete subassembly is then connected to the switch box through isolated connection points, allowing easy installation while preventing direct exposure to electrical terminals during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the outlet uses a complex fixing mechanism for the casing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing reliabilityVSAvoidfixing mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into two distinct mechanisms: simple snap-fitting means for attaching the subassembly to the switch box, and separate connection means for joining the switch box to the framework. This segmentation reduces overall complexity while maintaining reliability through specialized simple fixing methods for each interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4478558B1Electrical outlet
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC ESPANA SA
  • EP4478558B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4478558B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4478558B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electrical outlet with a subassembly (1) that can be fitted into a switch box (9) and with a cover (4) movable between the bottom and the external part of said subassembly (1) comprising a shutter (6) for shutting current access holes, wherein the box of the switch box (9) can be fixed to an inner border (10.2) of the framework (10) with snapfitting means (9.1), the subassembly (1) being able to be inserted into said switch box (9) and fixed to the framework (10) by press-fitting means (1.1) in housings (10.3) on the inner edge (10.1) of said framework (10), and comprising an insulating covering (11) that can be fixed to the inside of the switch box (9), arranged between the box (9) and the subassembly (1).