Plug Cover Removal Tool Wedge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plug cover removal devices often require users to exert force, risking injury, and fail to ensure the plug cover is replaced after use, leading to electrical shock hazards.
Innovation Solution
A plug cover removal and storage device featuring a wedge-shaped configuration with tapered edges to easily disengage plug covers from outlets and a storage mechanism with frictional slots to securely hold them, also allowing for easy retrieval and attachment to a power cord as a reminder to replace the cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user manually removes a plug cover from an outlet, then the plug cover can be removed, but the user risks injury to fingernails and back due to close engagement between the flange and wall plate
Solution Approach 1:
The device acts as an intermediary tool between the user and the plug cover. The tapered body is inserted between the plug cover flange and the wall plate, providing leverage to disengage the plug cover without the user's fingers or body directly contacting the engagement point, thereby eliminating injury risk to fingernails and back
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the removal action into two distinct functions: the tapered body provides leverage to disengage the plug cover from the wall plate, while the storage feature with slots securely holds the removed plug cover. This segmentation allows the user to remove the plug cover safely and then store it conveniently
2Productivity
If a user removes a plug cover to use an outlet, then the outlet becomes accessible, but the user may forget to replace the plug cover, creating electrical shock hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by providing a dedicated storage feature with slots that securely hold the plug cover immediately after removal. The storage feature is positioned on the device body, making the plug cover visibly accessible and reminding the user to replace it after use, preventing forgotten replacement and electrical shock hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides visual feedback through the storage feature that clearly shows whether the plug cover is stored (removed from outlet) or absent (plug cover in outlet). This feedback mechanism reminds the user to replace the plug cover after appliance use, reducing the risk of electrical shock from uncovered outlets
3Device complexity
If traditional removal methods are used, then no special device is needed, but the user must exert force that risks injury and breaks fingernails
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a tapered (curved) body shape that is inserted between the plug cover flange and the wall plate. This tapered geometry provides mechanical advantage and leverage, allowing the user to easily disengage the plug cover with minimal force, eliminating the need to exert excessive force that causes injury
Solution Approach 2:
The device is self-contained with an integrated storage feature that automatically secures the removed plug cover in slots on the device body. The plug cover is held securely by the friction fit in the slots, providing a complete removal and storage solution in one simple device without requiring additional components or complex mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates safe and effortless removal of plug covers from outlets, reduces the risk of injury, and ensures consistent replacement, thereby minimizing electrical shock hazards.
Implementation Method 1
Device (10) includes a first end (12), a second end (14), and a body (16) configured to be gripped by a user. In the present embodiment, body (16) is a single, unitary member... Top tapered portion (20), bottom tapered portion (22), and leading edge (18) form a wedge (23)... Wedge (23) configuration and taper angle (θ) are sufficient to allow wedge (23) to act as a lever between a plug cover (38) and a wall outlet cover or wall plate (64)
Implementation Method 2
Device (10) includes a storage feature comprising a pair of slots (34) that correspond to the shape and size of typical plug prongs... slots (34) are configured to frictionally receive prongs (36) of plug cover (38)
Data Source
AI summary
A plug cover removal and storage device includes a body. The body includes a first end portion and a second end portion. At least one of the first or second end portions comprise a curvilinear edge. One of first and second side portions is concave relative to a longitudinal axis of the body. The other of the first and second side portions is convex relative to the longitudinal axis. The body further includes a bottom surface extending between the first and second end portions and the first and second side portions and opposing a top surface. The body further includes a tapered portion extending between the curvilinear edge and at least one of the top and bottom surfaces. The body further includes at least one aperture in the body, wherein the at least one aperture is sized and configured to receive a prong of a plug cover.