Modular Receptacle With Removable Inserts For Emergency Lighting

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional emergency lighting solutions are bulky, inflexible, and require additional wiring, making them inconvenient and expensive to install, while also consuming electrical outlets and lacking the ability to provide tailored lighting scenarios or maintain the functionality of standard wall receptacles.

Innovation Solution

A modular electrical receptacle design that accepts removable inserts with various functions, such as emergency lighting, charging capabilities, and network connections, allowing for flexible configuration and integration with standard wall receptacles without requiring external power sources or extensive rewiring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional emergency lighting systems are installed, then blackout lighting is provided, but additional wiring is required and installation becomes expensive and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblackout lightingVSAvoidadditional wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical receptacle is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a standard power outlet and an emergency lighting system. The receptacle body integrates a cavity that can hold removable inserts containing emergency lighting functionality, allowing the same device to provide both electrical power and backup illumination without requiring separate wiring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the emergency lighting system with the electrical receptacle into a single integrated unit. The lighting components, battery, and control circuitry are merged within the receptacle housing, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting fixtures and their associated wiring while ensuring reliable blackout lighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external emergency lighting units are used, then blackout lighting is provided, but the units are unsightly and serve no other function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblackout lightingVSAvoidsingle purpose functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical receptacle is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a standard power outlet and an emergency lighting system. The receptacle body integrates a cavity that can hold removable inserts containing emergency lighting functionality, allowing the same device to provide both electrical power and backup illumination without requiring separate wiring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If nightlights are plugged into standard receptacles, then illumination is provided, but the outlet is consumed and external components can be accidentally disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveilluminationVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the emergency lighting system with the electrical receptacle into a single integrated unit. The lighting components, battery, and control circuitry are merged within the receptacle housing, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting fixtures and their associated wiring while ensuring reliable blackout lighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If rechargeable lights are designed to activate upon unplugging or power failure, then backup lighting is provided, but the device must be removed from the outlet to function

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackup lightingVSAvoidactivation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the emergency lighting system with the electrical receptacle into a single integrated unit. The lighting components, battery, and control circuitry are merged within the receptacle housing, eliminating the need for separate emergency lighting fixtures and their associated wiring while ensuring reliable blackout lighting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a discreet, flexible, and safe emergency lighting system that maintains the functionality of standard wall receptacles, reduces installation complexity, and allows for selection of desired lighting scenarios, while minimizing user cost and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of standard outlets.

Implementation Method 1

the insert includes a battery-powered light activated when power from the electrical main is not present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

the insert includes a battery charger for charging the battery connected to the battery powered light when power from the electrical main is present

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery charging: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS9520671B2Configurable safety light receptacle

Publication Date: 2016.12.13 SWIDGET CORP

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.