Power Adapter Control Attachment for Safe Post-Install Switching

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing or modifying power adapters in residential buildings, including the risk of electrical shock and the need for professional installation, as well as inefficiencies in initial placement and subsequent changes due to evolving power control needs.

Innovation Solution

A control attachment system that allows for manual actuation to control power application to a load, featuring a toggle element, actuator elements, and attachment mechanisms, enabling users to modify power adapter functionality without replacing the entire unit, thus allowing for easy updates and changes post-construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a homeowner replaces a power adapter to add functionality, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase due to electrical shock risks and professional installation requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower adapter functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two independent parts: a power adapter and a control attachment. The control attachment is a separate device that can be attached to the power adapter without replacing the entire unit. This segmentation allows homeowners to add functionality by attaching a control attachment rather than replacing the whole power adapter, reducing installation complexity and electrical shock risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control attachment serves as a universal interface that can be attached to various power adapters to add control functionality. It provides multiple functions including timing control, motion detection, and dimming capabilities through a single attachable device, enabling one power adapter to serve multiple purposes when combined with different control attachments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a homeowner attempts to install a power adapter themselves to save on installation costs, then the installation cost is reduced, but the safety risk increases due to potential electrical shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation costVSAvoidelectrical shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the control functionality into a distinct control attachment that interfaces with the power adapter through low-voltage connections, the system allows users to safely modify functionality without exposing themselves to high-voltage electrical shock risks associated with replacing entire power adapters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If power adapter functionality is expanded to include timing control, motion detection, and dimming, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidpower adapter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control attachment houses all the complex functionality including timing control, motion detection, and dimming capabilities in a separate unit. This keeps the base power adapter simple while allowing advanced features to be added through the attachable control component, maintaining low device complexity for the core unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control attachment acts as an intermediary device between the user and the power adapter. It provides the interface for complex control functions while communicating with the power adapter through a standardized interface, allowing advanced features without complicating the power adapter's internal structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If a homeowner delays changing power adapters to avoid additional cost and time, then the installation cost and time are reduced, but the user satisfaction decreases due to dissatisfaction with the home

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoiduser satisfaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing homeowners to start with a basic power adapter and gradually add control attachments as needs arise. This dynamic approach enables flexible upgrades without requiring immediate comprehensive installation, balancing installation time with user satisfaction as functionalities can be added incrementally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11990712B1Control attachment for a power adapter and method of implementing a control attachment

Publication Date: 2024.05.21 SMART POWER PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A control attachment adapted to control the application of power to a load is described. The control attachment may comprise a toggle element on the control attachment, wherein the toggle element is movable in response to a manual actuation associated with the control attachment; a first interface comprising an actuator element configured to make contact with a power adapter, wherein the actuator element is adapted to engage with a switch of the power adapter in response to the manual actuation; and an attachment element adapted to attach the control attachment to the power adapter; wherein a manual actuation of the toggle element enables controlling the power applied to the load by the power adapter. A method of implementing a control attachment is also described.