Outlet-Mounted Plug Support Bracket to Prevent Device Dislodging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Devices with integrated electrical plugs often become unplugged due to mechanical stress or weight, leading to power interruptions, especially in environments like hospitals where continuous operation is critical.
Innovation Solution
A bracket design featuring a back plate, band, and indentation that securely holds the device with the electrical plug, providing a belt-like arrangement to restrain the device and a screw attachment to secure it to the wall outlet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is supported only by the electrical outlet, then the installation is simple, but the device becomes unplugged due to mechanical stress or weight
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple functional components: a back plate for wall mounting, a band for circumferential restraint, and an indentation for plug positioning. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the support problem while maintaining overall simplicity of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket acts as an intermediary device between the electrical outlet and the device. It transfers the mechanical load from the plug to the wall mounting surface, preventing the plug from being pulled out while maintaining the simplicity of outlet-based installation
2Reliability
If adhesive strip is used to attach the device to the wall, then the device is secured, but the adhesive dries out or becomes dirty causing attachment failure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the chemical adhesive system with a mechanical restraint system consisting of the back plate, band, and indentation. This mechanical system provides reliable long-term support without the degradation issues inherent in adhesive materials
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical restraint system is segmented into distinct components (back plate, band, indentation) that work together to provide secure attachment, replacing the single-component adhesive approach with a multi-component mechanical system
3Reliability
If the bracket includes multiple restraining features, then the device is securely held, but the bracket complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket components serve multiple functions: the back plate provides mounting surface and structural support, the band provides circumferential restraint, and the indentation provides plug positioning. This multi-functionality achieves reliable device restraint without requiring numerous separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The back plate, band, and indentation are merged into an integrated bracket structure that works as a unified restraint system. This merging achieves effective device holding while minimizing the number of separate parts compared to alternative designs
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for supporting a device having an electrical plug integrated with or attached to the body of the device comprises a back plate, a band extending from one side of the back plate to an opposing side, a tab that extends downward, and an opening in the tab for receiving a screw or other fastener. The back plate further comprises an indentation that opens upward to receive the plug. With the body of the device between the back plate and the band, and the plug received within the indentation, a screw inserted through the opening attaches the bracket to an electrical outlet wall plate with the plug inserted into the electrical outlet, thereby restraining the body, and preventing the device from being inadvertently dislodged.