Modular Power Adapter Interface for Safe Function Swaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing power adapters in residential buildings, including the risk of electrical shock and high installation costs, as well as the need for frequent adjustments due to unclear initial placement of power adapter types, leading to dissatisfaction and additional expenses.
Innovation Solution
A power adapter system with a modular design that includes a common interface for various control attachments, allowing for easy swapping of functionality without requiring full switch replacement, featuring a power adapter with contact elements, a receiving element for control attachments, and a switch to control power based on actuation, enabling users to change features like timing or dimming without professional assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a homeowner replaces a power adapter, then the functionality can be updated, but the installation cost and safety risk increase due to professional installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter is divided into two separable components: a power adapter body that remains installed in the electrical system, and a control attachment that can be easily removed and replaced. This segmentation allows the control attachment to be changed without requiring electrical work, eliminating installation costs and safety risks while maintaining functionality updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The power adapter body acts as an intermediary between the electrical system and the control attachment. It provides a standardized interface that accepts different control attachments, allowing functionality changes without direct manipulation of electrical components. This intermediary approach enables safe, user-friendly replacement of control features.
2Ease of manufacture
If a homeowner waits to change power adapters to avoid additional cost and time, then installation expenses are reduced, but dissatisfaction with the home increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the power adapter into a permanently installed body and a replaceable control attachment, the system enables homeowners to update functionality at any time without incurring installation costs. This resolves the contradiction by making frequent changes economically viable, thereby improving homeowner satisfaction.
3Productivity
If a new home is built with power adapters, then the electrical system is complete, but the purchaser may not know the optimal placement leading to future changes
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter body with its standardized interface can accommodate multiple types of control attachments for different functions (lighting, timing, dimming, etc.). This universality allows the same adapter body to serve various purposes, enabling flexible placement decisions during construction without limiting future functionality or requiring reinstallation.
Data Source
AI summary
A power adapter configured to provide power to a load is described. The power adapter comprises a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element configured to receive power and a second contact element configured to provide power to a load; a receiving element configured to receive a control attachment; a first interface comprising a second plurality of contact elements configured to provide one or more reference voltages to the control attachment, wherein the first interface comprises an electrical interface; and a second interface comprising a switch configured to control power applied to a load in response to an actuation of the control attachment. A method of controlling a power adapter is also described.