Rotating Desk Power Grommet With 360° Receptacle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for integrating power and data supply into work surfaces, such as conference tables or office desks, face challenges in accessibility and integration with furniture design, particularly in ensuring easy access to power receptacles and avoiding damage to the surface while opening the power grommet.
Innovation Solution
A rotating power grommet with 360° rotatable power receptacles and an optional data plug, designed to fit into an aperture in the desk, allowing for flexible orientation and placement, and the option to lower or raise for easy use, with a base that prevents the grommet from falling through the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power receptacles are fixed in a row on one side, then the device structure is simple, but accessibility is poor and outlets may be blocked by larger plugs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the power receptacles rotatable rather than fixed. Each receptacle can rotate 360 degrees around a central axis, allowing users to dynamically adjust the orientation of outlets to face their preferred direction. This dynamic arrangement ensures that receptacles remain accessible regardless of plug size or user position, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a metal box with lid is used for power supply, then power and data supply is integrated, but integration with furniture design is difficult and surface damage may occur during opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power supply system into modular receptacle units that can rotate independently around a central core. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different furniture designs and configurations without requiring a large, intrusive metal box. The modular design reduces the overall footprint and eliminates the need for a lid mechanism that could damage the furniture surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic rotation capability allows the power supply system to adapt its configuration based on user needs and furniture layout. The receptacles can be rotated to optimal positions without requiring the entire unit to be moved or opened, eliminating the surface damage risk associated with opening lids while maintaining integration versatility.
3Ease of operation
If receptacles are positioned in fixed locations, then device structure is simple, but accessibility varies depending on grommet orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling each receptacle to rotate independently around the central axis. This allows users to personalize cord routing by rotating receptacles to their preferred orientations. The dynamic adjustment capability provides adaptability for different user positions and preferences while maintaining a simple overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A 360° rotatable power grommet mounted in an aperture in a work surface, three vertical copper strips, each connected to a wire which passes through a base to connect to an electrical power source. The copper strips are mounted in a vertical shaft which connects to a base. There are one or more electrical receptacles having arms which rotate horizontally and close to form a central bore, the arms having inner surfaces which are molded with horizontal copper strips, the central bore clamping to the vertical shaft to transfer power from the vertical shaft to the horizontal copper strips, the central bore allowing each electrical receptacle to separately rotate 360° around the vertical shaft.