Modular Socket Box with Intermediary Insert

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The replacement of electric sockets or switches in conventional wall-mounted devices is complex and often requires professional assistance, as it involves disconnecting and reconnecting wires, making it difficult for individuals to upgrade to smart sockets or switches without specialized knowledge.

Innovation Solution

A modular electronic apparatus comprising an electric box and an insert that allows for the easy installation and replacement of electric modules, such as programmable sockets or switches, by providing a secure and wireless connection system using sliding profile connectors and spring-loaded pins, eliminating the need for direct wire connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electric sockets are directly connected to wires in the electric box, then reliable electric power transmission is achieved, but the complexity of replacement and installation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power transmissionVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into three main segments: the electric box (fixed infrastructure), the insert (removable interface), and the electric module (replaceable functional unit). The insert acts as an intermediary that segments the connection between the electric box and the module, allowing the module to be replaced without disturbing the wire connections in the electric box. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliable power transmission through the fixed electric box-insert connection while simplifying replacement through the removable module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert serves as an intermediary component between the electric box and the electric module. It contains the wire connections and provides a standardized interface (with contacts, slots, and connectors) that the module connects to. This intermediary approach allows the complex wire connections to remain fixed in the electric box while the module can be easily attached and detached from the insert, thus maintaining reliability while reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional sockets require direct wire disconnection and reconnection for replacement, then secure electrical connection is maintained, but the time and skill required for replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection securityVSAvoidreplacement time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wire connections are pre-established and secured in the electric box before the module is installed. The insert is pre-configured with contacts that correspond to the wire connections. When a module is replaced, the new module is simply connected to the pre-prepared contacts on the insert, eliminating the need for time-consuming wire disconnection and reconnection. This preliminary action maintains electrical connection security while dramatically reducing replacement time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to be self-servicing at the module level. The module contains all necessary connection elements (contacts, connectors) that automatically engage with the insert when the module is installed. The spring-loaded pins and sliding profile connectors provide automatic connection and disconnection mechanisms that do not require manual wire handling, thus maintaining secure electrical connections while enabling quick user-friendly replacement without specialized knowledge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional electric sockets are hardwired to the electric box, then stable power delivery is ensured, but the adaptability to different modules and smart devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery stabilityVSAvoidmodule compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate different types of electric modules through standardized connectors (slots, sliding profile connectors, contacts). The wire connections in the electric box remain fixed and stable, providing reliable power delivery. The insert acts as a universal adapter that translates these stable connections to various module types, thus ensuring power delivery stability while enabling adaptability to different modules including smart devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The insert serves as a mediating interface between the fixed wire connections and the variable module requirements. It contains standardized contacts and connectors that can interface with different module types while maintaining connection to the stable wire infrastructure. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain stable power delivery through the fixed electric box-insert connection while providing adaptability to various modules through the standardized insert-module interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10263374B2Modular socket box
Publication Date: 2019.04.16 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • US10263374B2 patent drawing
  • US10263374B2 patent drawing
  • US10263374B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular electronic apparatus includes an electric box, an insert, and optionally one or more electric modules. The insert is configured to be inserted at least partially into an internal space of the electric box and connect to electric wires of a building. The insert is further configured to receive the electric modules such that they can be powered from the electric wires without directly connecting to them. The electric modules can engage with the insert and be easily replaceable without the need to reconnect the electric wires. Each of the electric modules can be one of the following: a programmable electric socket (“smart” socket), traditional electric socket, programmable electric switch (“smart” switch), traditional electric switch, dimmer, touch screen panel, speaker, personal computer, television device, lighting device, audio player, multimedia device, network hub, a router, and the like.