Modular Receptacle with Removable Insert for Emergency Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emergency lighting solutions are bulky, inflexible, and require additional wiring, making them inconvenient and expensive to install, while also consuming valuable outlet space and lacking the ability to provide multiple lighting scenarios or easy user maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical receptacle system with a removable insert that integrates emergency lighting functionality, allowing for customizable lighting scenarios and easy installation, using a cavity within the receptacle to house various inserts such as battery-powered lights, chargers, and network connections, while maintaining the standard appearance and functionality of a wall outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional emergency lighting systems are installed, then backup lighting functionality is provided, but the systems are bulky and require additional wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines emergency lighting functionality with a standard electrical receptacle into a single integrated unit. The emergency light housing is merged with the receptacle body, allowing both functions (power outlet and emergency lighting) to coexist in one device without requiring separate installations or additional wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle serves multiple functions: it provides standard electrical power outlets for normal operation and simultaneously functions as an emergency light source when power fails. The device also includes a battery charging function, transforming a single receptacle into a multi-functional unit that addresses multiple needs (power distribution, emergency lighting, and battery backup) without requiring separate dedicated systems.
2Reliability
If external lighting devices are used, then emergency illumination is provided, but valuable outlet space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The emergency light and receptacle are merged into a single integrated housing. The light source, battery, and charging circuitry are incorporated within the receptacle body itself, allowing the emergency illumination function to coexist with the power outlet function without occupying separate physical space or consuming outlet availability.
3Reliability
If dedicated emergency lighting units are installed, then blackout lighting is provided, but additional wiring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the emergency lighting system with the electrical receptacle into a single unit. The battery charging circuit utilizes the existing receptacle wiring infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate wiring runs to dedicated emergency light fixtures. This integration simplifies installation to a single device replacement rather than requiring additional electrical wiring work.
4Reliability
If conventional emergency lights are used, then emergency lighting is provided, but the systems are unsightly and single-purpose
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides standard electrical power outlets for normal operation, serves as an emergency light source during power failures, and includes battery charging capability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for single-purpose dedicated emergency lighting fixtures while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the familiar receptacle form factor.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle provide outlets and a cavity for receiving an insert. The insert connects to the electrical main through the receptacle and can provide additional functionality through the insert including emergency lighting, night lighting, gas detectors and charging connections.