Modular Power Socket With Segmented Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power outlet designs require users to disconnect power and physically remove the outlet from the wall to change the bezel, making the process lengthy and tedious, especially when trying to match new bezel colors with wall paint.
Innovation Solution
A modular power socket design where the rear shutter remains housed in the housing regardless of the trim's position, allowing the bezel to be removed while the socket is still powered and vertical, with the front shutter attached to the trim to prevent dust entry and the rear shutter remaining active, ensuring electrical safety and simplifying assembly and reassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the shutter is mounted integral with the insulating casing, then the shutter remains active when the bezel is removed, but the bezel replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The power outlet is divided into separate functional modules: the insulating casing with integrated rear shutter, the removable bezel with front shutter, and the terminal block. This segmentation allows the rear shutter to remain with the housing while the bezel is removed, maintaining safety without requiring full outlet removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The front shutter is extracted from the housing and attached to the bezel instead, while the rear shutter remains integrated with the insulating casing. This extraction allows the bezel to be removed and replaced independently while the rear shutter continues to provide safety protection.
2Shape
If the bezel is removed to change color, then aesthetic matching with wall paint is improved, but direct access to connection terminals is exposed creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The rear shutter is pre-integrated with the insulating casing to remain in place during bezel removal. This preliminary positioning ensures that even when the bezel is removed for aesthetic reasons, the connection terminals remain protected from exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear shutter acts as an intermediary safety element between the connection terminals and the external environment. It remains in place during bezel removal, mediating between the need for aesthetic customization and electrical safety requirements.
3Reliability
If the shutter is housed in the box under the cover, then the shutter is protected, but access to the shutter for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is segmented into two independent shutters: the rear shutter housed in the insulating casing for protection, and the front shutter attached to the removable bezel for accessibility. This segmentation allows each shutter to optimize its position for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The shutter functionality is distributed across two dimensional planes: the rear shutter in the depth dimension (housed in the box) for protection, and the front shutter in the frontal dimension (attached to bezel) for accessibility. This dimensional distribution resolves the contradiction between protection and access.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The outlet has a case for placing two electric terminals. A central plate (100) is assembled in front of the case, and comprises two access openings (172, 173) for the electric terminals. A front shutter (150) including two flanges (152, 153) is moved between closing position in which the flanges interpose between the openings to prohibit access to the terminals, and opening position for providing access to the terminals through the access openings. The front shutter and a rear shutter are arranged between the case and the central plate.