Removable Receptacle Housing for Upgradeable Outdoor Power Posts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing outdoor power receptacle systems lack flexibility and durability, as they often require the entire post to be removed for replacement or upgrading of the receptacle housing, and do not easily accommodate different types of electrical devices.

Innovation Solution

A two-piece assembly with a removable receptacle housing that can be easily swapped or upgraded, featuring a hollow post with a mounting structure and fasteners for secure attachment, allowing for various electrical devices to be connected, and made from durable materials like PVC.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the entire post is removed for replacement or upgrading of the receptacle housing, then the receptacle housing can be replaced, but the complexity and time of the replacement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of receptacle housing replacementVSAvoidtime for post removal and reinstallation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is divided into two separable components: the post and the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing can be independently removed from the post without removing the entire assembly, enabling targeted replacement of only the receptacle housing component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle housing is extracted as a separate removable component from the post assembly. This allows the receptacle housing to be taken out for replacement or upgrading while leaving the post in place, reducing the scope of work required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of repair

If the entire post is removed for replacement or upgrading of the receptacle housing, then the receptacle housing can be replaced, but the difficulty of the replacement process increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of receptacle housing replacementVSAvoidcomplexity of replacement procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is divided into two separable components: the post and the receptacle housing. The receptacle housing can be independently removed from the post without removing the entire assembly, enabling targeted replacement of only the receptacle housing component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed post design is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different electrical devices is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to accommodate different electrical devicesVSAvoidstructural complexity of the post assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The post is designed with a universal mounting interface that can accommodate different types of receptacle housings and electrical devices. The standardized opening and mounting structure allow the same post to support various devices, enhancing versatility without requiring multiple specialized posts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle housing is designed to be dynamically replaceable on the post, allowing the configuration to change based on different electrical device requirements while maintaining a stable post structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240178642A1Power post assembly with removable receptacle housing
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 HUBBELL INC
  • US20240178642A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178642A1 patent drawing
  • US20240178642A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An outdoor mounting assembly for an electrical device includes a post having a hollow body with an upper end and a lower end. A receptacle housing is removably connected to the upper end of the post. The receptacle housing has a top and a plurality of side walls defining an interior cavity. At least one of the side walls has an opening. A receptacle mounting structure is positioned in the receptacle housing and accessible through the opening.