Plug Removal Tool with Pivot Slot for Recessed Receptacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing plugs from electrical receptacles are hazardous and difficult, especially in crowded or recessed locations, requiring significant force and often involving the risk of electrical shock or incorrect plug selection, and are challenging for individuals with limited dexterity or access.
Innovation Solution
A plug removal tool with an elongate body featuring a handle and a pivot area at one end, equipped with a slot to receive a prong, allowing for easy alignment and pivoting to unseat the plug from the receptacle, providing a mechanical advantage and reducing the force required for removal while ensuring safety through insulation and durable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user pulls a plug directly from a receptacle, then the plug can be removed, but significant force (6-8 pounds) is required and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a plug removal tool as an intermediary device between the user and the plug-receptacle connection. The tool includes a body with a slot that receives the plug prong, allowing the user to apply force through the tool rather than directly pulling the plug. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and reduces the force required while preventing direct contact with electrical components, thereby eliminating safety risks associated with direct plug pulling.
2Ease of operation
If a user reaches into recessed locations to remove plugs, then access is achieved, but it becomes cumbersome and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The plug removal tool is designed with specific local qualities that address recessed location challenges. The elongate body provides extended reach into confined spaces, while the slot is precisely dimensioned to closely receive the plug prong. The tool's geometry allows it to navigate recessed areas and positioned plugs, enabling users to access difficult locations without risking electrical shock by maintaining insulation and preventing direct contact with exposed electrical components.
3Ease of operation
If a user grasps the power strip to prevent movement, then plug removal is possible, but power may be inadvertently shut off
Solution Approach 1:
The plug removal tool serves as an intermediary that eliminates the need for users to grasp the power strip or receptacle body. The tool's body is designed to engage with the plug prong through its slot, providing a stable anchoring point that prevents plug movement during removal. This intermediary mechanism allows users to apply pulling force through the tool handle without contacting the power strip switches or receptacle housing, thereby preventing inadvertent power shutdowns while maintaining stability throughout the removal process.
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
Enables safe and efficient removal of plugs with reduced force, preventing accidental electrical contact and facilitating use in confined or crowded spaces, including those with limited hand mobility, by providing a straightforward, single-motion operation that avoids damaging the receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
A user removes the plug from the receptacle by gripping the plug removal tool together with the plug and moving the plug removal tool and the plug together to pivot the plug removal tool so as to unseat the plug from the receptacle
Data Source
AI summary
A plug removal tool for removing a plug from a receptacle includes an elongate body with an upper end and an opposed lower end. The upper end defines a handle and extends along a first axis. The lower end defines a pivot area and extends along a second axis transverse to the first axis. A slot is formed in the lower end to receive a prong of the plug.