Pivoting Power Receptacle Module for Flush Work Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work surfaces are cluttered with external power strips and power cords, creating an unsightly and cumbersome arrangement that interrupts the open surface area, particularly when an uninterrupted work area is needed.
Innovation Solution
A power receptacle module with a pivoting receptacle assembly that can be mounted within a work surface aperture, allowing power receptacles to be hidden or exposed at various angles, providing a clean and unobstructed surface when not in use and easy access when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external power strips are used to provide power outlets, then power receptacles are accessible, but the work surface becomes cluttered and visually interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The power receptacle assembly is made dynamically movable through a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a retracted position (flush with work surface) and an extended position (exposed for access). This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt between providing power access and maintaining surface continuity, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and visual integrity.
2Shape
If power receptacles are hidden below the work surface, then the work surface appears clean and unobstructed, but power outlets are not accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism enables the power receptacle assembly to transition from a hidden, flush-mounted state to an accessible, extended state. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain surface continuity when power is not needed while providing easy access when required, effectively resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and operational accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If power cords are draped over the edge of the work surface, then power can be delivered to devices, but the arrangement becomes unsightly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The power receptacles are extracted from the work surface and integrated into a separate, movable assembly that can be positioned as needed. This extraction eliminates the need for power cords to drape across the work surface, as devices can be plugged directly into the extended receptacles, thereby maintaining surface appearance while preserving power delivery functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A power receptacle module for a work surface having multiple power receptacles includes a mounting frame configured to be received within an aperture in the work surface, a pivoting receptacle assembly pivotally mounted in the mounting frame and configured to pivot between a first orientation and a second orientation, relative to the mounting frame. The pivoting receptacle assembly has a flat face plate and a plurality of power receptacles fixedly mounted below the flat face plate. When the pivoting receptacle assembly is in the first orientation, the flat face plate is flush with a top surface of the work surface, and the plurality of power receptacles are hidden below the work surface. When the pivoting receptacle assembly is in the second orientation, the flat face plate is disposed at an oblique angle relative to the work surface, and the plurality of power receptacles are exposed.