Modular Electrical Receptacle Concealing Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacle systems require fasteners that are visible to users, compromising aesthetics as they do not provide a clean look for power delivery solutions in modular and fixed structures.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical receptacle assembly featuring first and second plates, where the second plate is installed parallel to the first plate, allowing access to electrical receptacles without visible fasteners, using clips, interference tolerances, or hidden retainers to secure the second plate to the first plate or housing, thereby concealing fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners are used to secure the cover plate, then the structural integrity and ease of assembly are improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The visible fasteners are extracted from the front view of the cover plate. The patent uses fasteners that are concealed from the aesthetic side, with only the fastener heads visible on the rear side, thus removing the visual defect while maintaining the structural function of fastening
Solution Approach 2:
A decorative insert is introduced as an intermediary element between the cover plate and the fasteners. This insert conceals the fastener heads from the front view, serving as a mediator that preserves both the structural integrity provided by fasteners and the aesthetic appearance required by the design
2Ease of manufacture
If the cover plate is made as a single integrated piece, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different receptacle configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover plate is segmented into multiple components: a main cover plate body, decorative inserts, and separate fastener elements. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, then assembled to create adaptable configurations for different receptacle types and arrangements
3Ease of operation
If fasteners are exposed on the cover plate, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the product quality perception deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Decorative inserts serve as intermediaries that conceal fastener heads from the front view. These inserts maintain the ease of assembly and disassembly through the fastener mechanism while simultaneously improving the perceived product quality by presenting a clean, fastener-free aesthetic surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle assembly for use in a modular wall system, the electrical receptacle assembly including an electrical receptacle receiving assembly, at least one electrical receptacle electrically coupled to the electrical receptacle receiving assembly and first and second plates. The first plate is coupled to the electrical receptacle receiving assembly. The first plate has an opening through which the at least one electrical receptacle is accessible. The second plate is installed substantially parallel to the first plate. The second plate having an opening that only accommodates access to the at least one electrical receptacle.