Pluggable Electrical Receptacle with Quick-Connect Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical receptacle installation process is labor-intensive and requires significant skill and time, especially during renovations, as it involves complex wiring and the need to interrupt power supply, making it costly and requiring licensed electricians.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable electrical receptacle and universal wall box system with quick-connect terminals and insulated distribution busses that allow for easy installation and replacement without interrupting power, featuring wire in and wire out power terminals and switch wiring terminals with insulated taps, eliminating the need for crimping, twisting, and junction devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional wiring methods are used to install electrical receptacles, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and labor complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into modular components: a wall box with built-in distribution busses and quick-connect terminals, and separate receptacles with matching quick-connect interfaces. This segmentation allows pre-assembled reliable connections in the wall box while enabling rapid receptacle installation without complex wiring operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wall box is prepared in advance with pre-installed distribution busses and quick-connect terminals before the receptacle is installed. This preliminary configuration of electrical pathways eliminates the need for on-site wire bending, twisting, and junction device installation, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional wiring methods are used to install electrical receptacles, then proper electrical connections are established, but skill requirements and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall box incorporates self-contained distribution busses and quick-connect terminals that automatically establish electrical connections when the receptacle is plugged in. The system serves itself by having the receptacle's quick-connect terminals mate with the pre-configured terminals in the wall box, eliminating the need for electricians to perform complex wiring tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing receptacles are replaced during renovation, then updated functionality or appearance is achieved, but power interruption and re-wiring are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceptacle replacement capabilityVSAvoidpower interruption time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wall box is designed as a universal platform with standardized quick-connect terminals and distribution busses that can accommodate multiple types of receptacles (outlets, switches, GFCI, AFCI). This universality allows any receptacle type to be quickly replaced by simply unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one, maintaining adaptability while eliminating power interruption requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional wiring methods are used, then electrical connections are established, but labor costs and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical wiring process (bending, twisting, securing wires with wire nuts or screw terminals) is replaced with an electrical plug-and-play system. The quick-connect terminals provide automated electrical contact establishment through simple insertion, substituting complex mechanical wiring operations with a straightforward plugging action that maintains reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20170063006A1Plugable Electrical Receptacle and Universal Wall Box and Methods of Use Thereof

Publication Date: 2017.03.02 MOSS J

AI summary

An electrical wall box having a plurality of wire in and wire out power terminals on an exterior of the electrical wall box, wherein each set of wire in and wire out power terminals are electrically connected to one of a plurality of internal insulated distribution busses within the electrical wall box, each of the distribution buses has one or more first quick connect terminals electrically connected thereto one of the distribution buses; wherein electrical wall box further includes a plurality of switch wiring terminals on an exterior of the electrical wall box, each of the plurality of switch wiring terminals includes an insulated electrical tap connecting one of the switch wiring terminals to one of the plurality of internal insulated distribution busses or to a quick connect terminal within the electrical wall box; one or more pluggable electrical receptacles, each of the one or more pluggable electrical receptacles includes two or more second quick connect terminals to electrically connect thereto one of said one or more first quick connect terminals; and a cover plate.