Modular Power Strip With Rotatable Outlets For Large Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power strips often become overcrowded due to closely spaced outlets, making it difficult to accommodate devices with large or oddly shaped chargers, leading to either wasteful additional power strips or the need to selectively plug in devices, which is inefficient and aesthetically unpleasing.
Innovation Solution
A modular power strip system with interlocking blocks that can be configured to fit various plug sizes and shapes, featuring rotating outlets, interchangeable modules, and a fuse-protected design to ensure safety and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If outlets are placed close together in a conventional power strip, then the power strip occupies less space and has a compact form, but devices with large or oddly shaped chargers cannot fit in adjacent receptacles
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip is divided into multiple modular blocks (head block, power blocks, USB blocks) that can be connected together. Each block contains outlets and can be independently configured, allowing the system to adapt to different plug sizes and shapes while maintaining a compact overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power strip employs rotatable outlets within each block that can be adjusted to different orientations. This dynamic adjustment capability allows users to reposition outlets to accommodate various plug shapes and sizes, resolving the contradiction between compact spacing and plug adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power strips are purchased to accommodate more plugs, then all devices can be plugged in simultaneously, but this increases cost, creates aesthetic issues, and may cause electrical overload
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional blocks (power outlets, USB ports, rotatable connectors) are merged into a single integrated power strip system. This consolidation provides high plug capacity while avoiding the complexity and aesthetic issues of multiple separate power strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The power strip incorporates multiple types of outlets (standard electrical outlets and USB ports) within a single device, providing universal compatibility with various devices. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized power strips.
3Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are spaced far apart to accommodate large plugs, then all plug sizes can fit, but the power strip becomes larger and more cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing length to accommodate larger plugs, the design utilizes the third dimension by implementing rotatable outlets that can pivot to different angles. This allows outlets to be positioned closer together while still accommodating various plug sizes through rotational adjustment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If plugs are frequently removed and replaced to fit different devices, then optimal plug placement can be achieved, but this consumes time and reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable outlets allow users to adjust outlet orientation in real-time without removing plugs. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables optimal plug placement for different devices while eliminating the time-consuming process of unplugging and replugging.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power strip that may be flexibly configured is provided. The power strip includes a power cord having a plug configured to operably couple with a wall socket. A head block is electrically coupled to the power cord on an end opposite the first plug. The head block having a first outlet socket on one end configured to receive a first external power plug. The head block further includes a first, second and third female electrical connector located on different sides. A power block having a first male connector on a side is electrically coupled with one of the first, second or third female connector. The first power block having a second outlet socket configured to receive a second external power plug. The power block further having a fourth, fifth and sixth female connectors located on different sides.