Removable Control Attachment for Safe In-Wall Power Adapter Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing power adapters, particularly in-wall installed ones, due to the risk of electrical shock and the need for professional installation, and often require additional time and cost to adjust power adapter placements in new constructions.
Innovation Solution
A control attachment system that allows for easy configuration and modification of power adapters by inserting contact elements into corresponding contact elements of the power adapter, enabling users to control power application without direct contact with high voltage lines, and can be updated with different functionalities as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a homeowner replaces an in-wall power adapter, then the power adapter functionality can be updated or improved, but the homeowner faces risk of electrical shock and may require professional installation which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The power adapter system is divided into two separate components: a permanent in-wall power adapter unit and a removable control attachment. The control attachment contains the functional control elements (switches, dimmers, timers) and can be easily removed and replaced without touching the high-voltage wiring. Only low-voltage signal connections are made at the interface, eliminating shock risk during control attachment replacement while preserving full adaptability of power adapter functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment serves as an intermediary device that interfaces between the user and the high-voltage power circuit. All user interactions (switching, dimming, timing) occur through the control attachment, which handles high-voltage power switching internally. The user never directly contacts high-voltage lines, as all control is mediated through the safely designed control attachment interface.
2Reliability
If a homeowner hires a professional electrician to replace a power adapter, then safe installation is ensured, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the permanent high-voltage connected power adapter unit from the removable control attachment. The control attachment plugs into a standardized low-voltage interface on the power adapter unit, requiring no wire connections. This segmentation allows homeowners to safely replace control attachments themselves using simple plug-and-play connections, while the permanent power adapter unit remains professionally installed and undisturbed.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment is designed as a replaceable, relatively simple component that can be easily swapped by consumers. Unlike the permanent power adapter unit that requires professional installation, the control attachment uses simple mechanical and electrical connections that are safe for consumer-level replacement, reducing reliance on professional electricians for routine updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power adapter placements are changed in new construction, then optimal functionality can be achieved, but additional time and cost are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The control attachment is designed as a modular, removable component that can be easily transferred between different power adapter units. When relocation is needed, the control attachment is simply unplugged from one power adapter unit and plugged into another, avoiding the need to rewire or perform complex installation procedures. This dramatically reduces the time and cost of relocating power adapter functionality within a building.
Data Source
AI summary
A control attachment configured to control an application of power to a load is described. The control attachment may comprise a body portion adapted to be received by a power adapter; a plurality of contact elements extending from the control attachment, wherein the plurality of contact elements is adapted to be inserted into corresponding contact elements of the power adapter, and comprises a first contact element adapted to receive a first power signal from the power adapter and a second contact element adapted to receive a neutral signal from the power adapter, wherein the first power signal comprises a line power signal from the power adapter; and an actuator element extending from the body portion, wherein the actuator element is adapted to engage a corresponding switch element of the power adapter.