Power base
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Decorative trees, such as Christmas trees, often have power cords that are unsightly, unsafe, and create trip hazards due to their exposure on the floor, necessitating a solution to streamline electrical connections.
Innovation Solution
A base assembly with integrated power outlets and a retractable cord, featuring a ground fault circuit interrupter for safety, designed to accommodate various decorative elements, and a mechanism for powering devices such as string lights and tree toppers, and other decorative elements, and a mechanism for powering devices such as string lights and tree toppers, and other décor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power cords are extended across pathways to power decorative devices, then devices can be powered, but trip hazards and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The base assembly serves as an intermediary structure that houses multiple electrical receptacles, allowing power cords to be connected within the base rather than extending across walkways. This mediator (the base with integrated outlets) eliminates the harmful trip hazard while maintaining the ability to power decorative devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power cords are used to power various decorative devices, then devices can be powered, but the maze of cords becomes unsightly and distracting
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrical receptacles are merged into a single integrated base assembly, consolidating what would otherwise be multiple separate power connections into one unified structure. This merging eliminates the visual clutter of multiple cords while maintaining the ability to power multiple decorative devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is designed with multiple receptacles that can accommodate various types of plugs and devices, providing universal power access for different decorative elements. This multi-functionality allows diverse devices to be powered through a single aesthetic base structure rather than requiring multiple separate power sources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power outlets are provided for multiple devices, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical receptacle assembly is segmented into multiple independent receptacles, each capable of accepting different plug types. This segmentation allows high versatility while maintaining modular simplicity, where each receptacle functions independently rather than requiring a complex integrated switching system.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates generally to stands or bases, such as for decorative trees (e.g., Christmas trees), and more specifically, to stands or bases with one or more electrical receptacle assemblies for streamlining the electrical power cables that are utilized in powering devices (such as multiple string lights) used on the tree that is supported on the stand or base. The electrical receptacle assembly includes a housing, a face plate, and a front surface portion defining a plurality of openings and electrical wiring. The base assembly of the present invention may be of different shapes and sizes, and may include any number of electrical receptacle assemblies.