Outlet Cover Plate Cord Storage Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Standard cord lengths for devices often result in excess cord length, leading to clutter and safety hazards, as manufacturers cannot anticipate the distance from the power receptacle to the device's desired position.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle cover plate assembly with a spool plate and flange plate that allows excess cord to be stored, featuring flexible flanges that can be bent to accommodate cord wrapping and concealment, providing a solution for both power and data links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a standard cord length is used for all devices, then the device can be manufactured with a fixed cord length, but excess cord length results in clutter and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess cord from the functional connection between the device and power source by providing a separate storage compartment in the outlet cover plate. The cord is routed through the cover plate and stored in the compartment, separating the unnecessary cord length from the operational area, thus eliminating clutter and safety hazards while maintaining standard cord lengths for manufacturing simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the cord storage compartment within the outlet cover plate structure. The compartment is integrated into the cover plate, allowing the excess cord to be nested within the wall outlet assembly itself. This nested arrangement keeps the cord organized and out of sight while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Ease of operation
If the cord is left loose or makeshift bundled, then the device can be positioned freely, but this creates unsafe and unsightly conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the outlet cover plate with storage compartment as an intermediary between the cord and the surrounding environment. The cover plate serves as a mediator that safely contains and organizes the excess cord, preventing it from creating safety hazards while still allowing the device to be positioned freely at the desired location
3Ease of operation
If the cord is left loose or makeshift bundled, then the device can be positioned freely, but this creates clutter and unsightly appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the excess cord from the visible area by providing a dedicated storage compartment within the outlet cover plate. This removal of the cord from the operational space eliminates clutter and improves aesthetics while maintaining the ability to position the device freely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color matching between the outlet cover plate and the wall outlet to create a visually integrated appearance. The cover plate is designed to blend with the surrounding wall outlet, making the cord storage solution aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive
Data Source
AI summary
A receptacle cover plate assembly for an all-in-one receptacle with one or more electrical outlets and USB ports. A flange plate has rearward angular flanges which project back toward the wall of a structure. The flange plate conceals cord wrapped around a spool plate. The spool plate is provided as part of a combined receptacle, receptacle cover plate and spool plate where a spool cover is offset from a receptacle cover plate face.