Electrical Outlet Assembly with Hidden Pin-and-Slot Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical outlets are difficult to assemble and maintain due to the need for visible mounting screws, which complicate the installation process, affect aesthetics, and increase manufacturing costs, while also posing a risk of damaging the socket or wall during installation.
Innovation Solution
An electrical outlet assembly featuring a body profile with a trough and channel structure, paired with end caps that use a pin-and-slot locking mechanism and fastening means to secure the assembly without visible screws, allowing for easy installation and maintenance while eliminating the need for additional decorative covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If mounting screws are used to secure the socket body to the socket frame, then the connection strength is improved, but the aesthetics are worsened due to visible screws and the complexity of installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mounting screws from the visible front surface of the electrical outlet, extracting the fastening function to the rear mounting plate where screws are hidden. This maintains connection strength while eliminating the aesthetic drawback of visible screws and reducing installation complexity by pre-attaching screws to the mounting plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting plate as an intermediary component between the socket body and the wall. The mounting plate integrates the screw holes and fastening mechanism, serving as a mediator that provides secure attachment while keeping all fastening elements hidden from view, thus resolving both the strength and aesthetics requirements.
2Strength
If mounting screws are used to secure the cover to the socket body, then the connection strength is improved, but the aesthetics are worsened due to visible screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the visible cover surface by using snap-fit engagement mechanisms and hidden recesses on the rear side of the cover. The connection strength is maintained through these mechanical engagement features while the aesthetics are preserved by keeping all fastening elements invisible from the front.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional screw-based mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit engagement system for the cover. This substitution maintains adequate connection strength through the elastic engagement of the cover edges with the socket body recesses while eliminating visible fasteners, thus improving aesthetics without sacrificing connection integrity.
3Shape
If a decorative cover is added to improve aesthetics, then the appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the decorative cover function with the protective and structural functions of the outlet housing into a single integrated component. The cover is designed as part of the overall housing structure rather than as a separate decorative addition, eliminating the need for additional components while maintaining aesthetic appeal through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the cover to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides aesthetic coverage, protects internal components, and integrates the fastening mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate decorative elements and simplifies the overall device structure, reducing both component quantity and manufacturing complexity.
4Strength
If mounting screws are used, then the connection strength is improved, but the risk of damage to wall or socket body increases due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching the mounting screws to the mounting plate during manufacturing. This allows the screws to be precisely positioned and pre-tightened to appropriate torque levels, eliminating the need for excessive force during installation and reducing the risk of damage to the wall or socket body while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by designing the mounting plate with integrated screw holes and appropriate thickness to distribute the mounting load. This structural cushioning prevents concentration of force that could damage the wall or socket body, allowing secure attachment without excessive tightening force.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an electrical outlet assembly (100), comprising a frame for accommodating electrical socket, characterized by: a body profile (120) having a trough structure (124) extended from an outer surface of the body profile (120), a drain structure (123) and a plurality of channels (121) extended from an inner surface of the body profile (120); wherein the plurality of channels (121) is extended from the inner surface of the body profile (120) via a recess (122) forming a slot (125) therebetween; a guarding means (130) inserted into both ends of the plurality of channels (121); a pair of end caps (110) wherein each of the pair of end caps (110) having a lip (113), a pin (111), and a stopper (112), to engage with both ends of the body profile (120); wherein the lip (113) is slidably coupled to the trough structure (124) and further secured by a fastening means (140), the pin (111) is slidably fitted into the slot (125), engaged with the guarding means (130) and seated at the recess (122) for locking each of the pair of end caps (110) to the body profile (120), and the frame is engaged with the drain structure (123), thereby enclosing the electrical socket and the body profile (120) in one assembly.