Modular Electrical Receptacle for Safe Module Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacles and assemblies require complex and risky procedures for replacing electrical modules, as they necessitate disconnecting and reconnecting wiring to the circuitry, posing a risk of electrical shock.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle design that includes a body with a cavity for receiving a module, and electrical contacts that allow for easy connection and disconnection of the module without directly engaging the circuitry wiring, enabling module replacement while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical receptacle design is used, then electrical modules can be installed, but replacing modules requires disconnecting and reconnecting wiring to the circuitry, which increases complexity and risk of electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is divided into separate functional components: a stationary body with integrated electrical contacts that remains connected to the circuitry, and removable modules that can be independently exchanged. This segmentation allows module replacement without disturbing the wiring to the circuitry, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle body with its electrical contacts serves as an intermediary between the circuitry and the removable modules. This intermediary component absorbs the complexity of the permanent wiring connections, allowing users to interact only with the simple removable modules, thus improving ease of operation while managing device complexity
2Reliability
If traditional electrical receptacle design is used, then electrical modules can be installed, but the process of replacing modules involves direct engagement with circuitry wiring, which increases risk of electrical shock
Solution Approach 1:
The dangerous function of directly connecting to circuitry wiring is extracted from the module replacement process. The receptacle body with its permanent electrical contacts remains connected to the circuitry, while only the safe, isolated modules are removed and replaced. This extraction eliminates the risk of electrical shock during module replacement while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle body acts as a safety intermediary that isolates users from the circuitry wiring. By providing a standardized interface with electrical contacts that are already safely connected to the circuitry, the intermediary allows module replacement without direct user engagement with hazardous wiring, thus improving reliability while preserving ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle for electrically connecting a circuitry of a building to module for transmitting and/or regulating a flow of electricity includes: a body which defines a cavity for receiving the module; and two or more electrical contacts secured to a surface of the body. Each electrical contact includes a terminal configured to place the receptacle in electrical connection with the module and a terminal configured to place the receptacle in electrical connection with the circuitry of the building or another receptacle. An assembly for transmitting and/or regulating a flow of electricity received from a circuitry of a building includes: the receptacle; and a module configured to transmit and/or regulate a flow of electricity received from the receptacle removably inserted in the cavity of the receptacle. Methods for replacing an electrical module of the assembly and installing the assembly are also disclosed.