Modular Electrical Outlet Strip with Interchangeable Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical power outlets have open plug holes that can lead to electrical accidents due to water exposure and limited plug-in locations, restricting the placement of household appliances.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical power outlet strip with a longitudinal housing and interchangeable covers that can be installed as part of a baseboard or floor, providing multiple power outlets and allowing for flexible configuration to accommodate various appliances, including a wireless charging option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional outlets have fixed open plug holes, then electrical connection is simple, but safety is compromised due to water exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet strip is divided into multiple modular sections with individual covers that can be independently opened or closed. Each cover can be selectively opened to expose only the specific plug hole needed, while other covers remain closed to protect their respective plug holes from water exposure. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of safety (closed covers protect against water) and ease of use (only necessary covers are opened).
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet strip transitions from a static open structure to a dynamic structure where covers can be moved between open and closed states. This dynamic capability allows the outlet to adapt its configuration based on operational needs - covering plug holes when not in use to prevent water ingress, and uncovering them when electrical connection is required.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional outlets have limited plug holes, then device structure is simple, but appliance placement flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet strip is divided into multiple modular sections, each containing plug holes of different types and configurations. This segmentation allows users to select and open only the specific section needed for their appliance, providing versatility in appliance placement while maintaining a manageable structure that doesn't require all sections to be simultaneously active.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet strip incorporates multiple types of plug holes (different configurations and orientations) within its modular sections, enabling it to accommodate various appliance plug types. This multi-functionality allows a single outlet strip to serve multiple appliances with different power requirements and plug configurations, enhancing adaptability without requiring separate outlets for each appliance type.
3Ease of operation
If outlet strip extends throughout the house, then power accessibility is improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extensive outlet strip system is divided into smaller modular sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together during installation. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing each individual module while enabling the creation of a comprehensive whole that provides power accessibility throughout the house. Installers can work with manageable sections rather than installing one extremely long continuous strip.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are pre-assembled and configured during manufacturing with their covers, electrical components, and connection points ready for installation. This preliminary preparation of individual modules simplifies the final installation process, as installers only need to connect pre-configured sections rather than assembling all components on-site, thereby improving power accessibility while controlling installation complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an electrical power outlet strip having a longitudinal extending housing including a base housing portion and a plurality of covers for attachment to said base housing portion along the longitudinal direction; and a plurality of electrical wires placed inside the housing. Each cover has same dimensional measurements and may be a sealing cover or a socket cover. A sealing cover has no hole for receiving an external plug. Whereas a socket cover provides plug holes for receiving an external plug. The electrical power outlet strip may have all sealing covers, all socket covers, or a combination of sealing covers and socket covers.