Powered Wall Plate with Removable Plug-in Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall plates with spring biased connections are unsafe due to their unreliability, leading to potential electrical hazards and fires, as they can short or become damaged over time, compromising safety and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A powered wall plate design featuring a plug-in module with an electrical prong and current transfer feature that engages with an electrical contact, allowing for safe and reliable electrical current conveyance, optionally using a removable wire or plug-in module, and incorporating features like USB ports and LED lighting, while maintaining accessibility to electrical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring biased connections are used in wall plates, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential shorting and damage over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable wire or plug-in module as an intermediary component between the electrical contact and the power source. This intermediary replaces the problematic spring biased connection while maintaining ease of installation, as the removable component can be easily inserted or attached without requiring complex wiring or spring mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If direct spring biased connections are used, then device complexity is reduced, but safety deteriorates due to electrical and fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The removable wire or plug-in module serves as a safe intermediary that eliminates the fire and electrical shock hazards associated with exposed spring biased connections. The intermediary component provides a controlled and enclosed connection path that prevents direct exposure to live electrical contacts while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a removable wire or plug-in module that can be easily replaced if damaged or worn. This disposable or replaceable component approach ensures safety by allowing users to discard compromised connection elements without replacing the entire wall plate assembly, thereby maintaining safety at low cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wall plates provide electrical functionality, then versatility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to exposed electrical connections
Solution Approach 1:
The removable wire or plug-in module acts as a protective intermediary that enables electrical functionality while concealing and securing the electrical connections. The intermediary component can be designed with enclosed connectors or insulation that prevents user contact with exposed electrical contacts, thereby providing versatility without compromising safety.
Data Source
AI summary
A powered wall plate with a plug-in module having an electrical plug and an module cover. The electrical plug has at least two electrical prongs that are configured to removably mate with an electrical receptacle. The module cover is located adjacent to the electrical plug and has a surround configured to extend around a portion of the perimeter of the wall plate, an LED light located along a bottom edge of the module cover, a USB port exposed on a surface of the module cover, and a circuit contained within the module cover and configured to supply power to the USB port and the LED light when power is supplied to the electrical prongs. The wall plate has a first mounting screw aperture and the plug-in module has a second mounting screw aperture that receive a mounting screw, attaching the plug-in module to the wall plate and the electrical device.