Retractable Power Outlet System for Smart Home Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional home wiring systems are inadequate for smart home applications, as they require complex in-wall wiring and additional sockets, leading to safety issues and aesthetic concerns due to the use of extension cords and sockets.
Innovation Solution
A power outlet system featuring a socket with a housing and plug design that includes a clamping conducting strip and elastic conducting contacts, allowing for flexible placement and connection to a power source, along with a power strip system that can be installed on surfaces or within objects, providing multiple conductors and connectors for secure power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional power sockets are fixed in home wiring structure, then installation is permanent and stable, but flexibility and adaptability for different device positions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a retractable plug mechanism that allows the plug to extend from and retract into the housing. This dynamic structure enables the socket to adapt between a fixed installed state (plug retracted) and a flexible extended state (plug extended), resolving the contradiction between installation stability and positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket system is divided into separate functional components: a fixed housing that remains installed in the wall, and a movable plug portion that can extend and retract. This segmentation allows the housing to provide stable installation while the plug provides flexibility for different device positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords are used to power devices not near outlets, then power accessibility is improved, but safety issues and aesthetic concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is nested within the housing when not in use, eliminating the need for external extension cords. The retractable mechanism allows the plug to extend only when needed, keeping the power connection tidy and safe while maintaining power accessibility for devices at various positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional sockets are installed in commonly used areas, then power availability is improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable socket system provides multiple functions: it serves as a fixed wall outlet when the plug is retracted, and as an extended power source when the plug is extended. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for installing separate additional sockets in different locations, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining power availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies the installation of power outlets, enhances safety by reducing the need for extension cords, and improves aesthetics by eliminating clutter, while ensuring reliable and flexible power distribution for smart home devices.
Implementation Method 1
At least two elastic conducting contacts may be positioned on a surface of plug. The elastic conducting contacts may be configured to connect to a power source
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a socket. The socket may include a housing and a plug. At least one of a slot or a hole may be positioned on at least one side of the housing. A clamping conducting strip may be positioned in the housing. At least two elastic conducting contacts may be positioned on a surface of plug. The elastic conducting contacts may connect to a power source and the plug may be positioned outside the housing. A connecting groove may be positioned on a back side of the housing. An inner contact point may be positioned in the connecting groove and be connected to the clamping conducting strip. A connector may be positioned in the plug. An external contact point may be positioned on the connector. The external contact point may be connected to the elastic conducting contact. The connector may be inserted into the connecting groove.