Multiple Circuit Receptacle with Selective Orientation Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power systems in office environments face challenges with unsightly and dangerous cord entanglements due to the need for multiple electrical circuits, requiring frequent rewiring and reconfiguration of junction blocks and receptacle blocks to accommodate changing power loads, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A multiple circuit receptacle system that allows for selective electrical coupling to any one of four power supply circuits by reconfiguring the physical orientation of the outlet receptacle block relative to the junction block, eliminating the need for multiple receptacle blocks, tools, or additional adapters, and enabling seamless switching between circuits without altering the junction block's structure or physical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receptacle blocks are used to accommodate multiple power supply circuits, then the power supply capability is improved, but the device complexity and cord entanglement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receptacle blocks into a single integrated receptacle block that can selectively connect to multiple power supply circuits. The receptacle block includes multiple sets of terminals arranged to engage with different circuit configurations, eliminating the need for multiple separate receptacle blocks and reducing cord entanglement while maintaining the ability to accommodate multiple power supply circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle block is designed with universal functionality to connect to different power supply circuit configurations. The terminal arrangements and switching mechanisms enable a single receptacle block to serve multiple functions by selectively connecting to different circuits, thereby reducing the number of components needed while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If junction blocks and receptacle blocks are reconfigured to accommodate changing power loads, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle block incorporates dynamic switching mechanisms that allow for quick reconfiguration between different power supply circuits without requiring physical reassembly or rewiring. The switching mechanism enables users to change circuit connections by simple mechanical operations, significantly reducing the time required to adapt to changing power loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle block is pre-configured with multiple terminal arrangements and switching mechanisms that are ready for different circuit configurations. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid circuit changes without requiring time-consuming rewiring or reassembly operations when power load requirements change.
3Reliability
If wiring and bus bars are configured for interconnection to specific circuits, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability and ease of repair worsen when circuit changes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle block is segmented into distinct terminal sets and switching sections that can be independently configured for different circuit connections. This segmentation allows for reliable connections to specific circuits while enabling easy reconfiguration by simply changing the switching arrangement, without requiring changes to the underlying wiring or bus bar structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed wiring/bus bars and the receptacle connections. This intermediary component enables circuit changes by rerouting connections through the switch, maintaining reliable wiring configurations while providing adaptability for different power supply circuits without requiring changes to the permanent wiring infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple receptacle blocks are used to provide different circuit configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and quantity of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple receptacle blocks into a single integrated unit. The receptacle block contains multiple terminal sets and switching mechanisms that provide the circuit configuration options previously requiring separate blocks, thereby reducing the total quantity of components while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single receptacle block is designed with universal functionality to provide multiple circuit configurations through internal switching arrangements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized receptacle blocks, reducing component quantity while maintaining the ability to provide different circuit configurations as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple circuit receptacle system (100) is disclosed. The receptacle system (100) includes a junction block (102) having an incoming female connector set (122) adapted to be engaged with a cable assembly (180) for supplying incoming power to the junction block (102). He junction block (102) also has a further female connector set (154), electrically coupled to the incoming female connector set (122), through which power is supplied from the cable assembly (180). The incoming power is in the form of four separate circuits, each circuit having hot, neutral and ground terminals. An electrical outlet receptacle block (160) includes a series of outlet receptacles (159) and connector sets (179, 181) selectively connectable to the further connector set (154) of the junction block (102). Connection of the receptacle block (160) to the junction block (102) in one of various spacial orientations provides for electrical power from any selected one of the multiple circuits to be presented at the outlet receptacles (159).