Rotating Wall Outlet Charge Clip with Integrated AC/DC Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for personal electronic instruments occupy limited counter space, are prone to damage from spills, and feature unsightly, entangled cords, while existing wall-mounted charging stations require lengthy wires and are not adaptable to varying outlet orientations or device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A charge clip that mounts directly to an AC wall outlet, featuring a rotatable power conversion plug with ribs and notches for orientation flexibility, a USB port for charging, and a cradle with multi-directional accessibility to support various device sizes and shapes, with cord management to keep the charging area organized.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional charging unit is placed on a kitchen countertop, then the device can be charged, but it occupies limited counter space and is subject to damage from spills
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is moved from the horizontal countertop surface to the vertical wall outlet plane, utilizing the third dimension (wall mounting) to eliminate counter space occupation while maintaining charging functionality
2Ease of operation
If a conventional charging unit is placed on a kitchen countertop, then the device can be charged, but it is subject to damage due to spilled water
Solution Approach 1:
The charging device is extracted from the kitchen countertop environment and relocated to the wall outlet, removing it from the harmful zone where water spills occur while maintaining its charging function
3Area of stationary object
If a wall mounted charging station is used, then counter space is freed, but it requires a lengthy wire connection to the wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion plug and charging station components are merged into a single integrated unit that plugs directly into the wall outlet, eliminating the need for separate wire connections while maintaining wall-mounted charging functionality
4Area of stationary object
If a wall mounted charging station is used, then counter space is freed, but the loose wire is not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion plug and charging station are merged into one integrated unit, eliminating loose wires and associated management complexities while preserving the space-saving wall-mounted design
5Stability of the object's composition
If a charging station with a pocket of defined dimensions is used, then devices are secured, but only certain select PEIs of limited sizes and shapes can be charged
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle is designed with universal dimensions and features that can accommodate multiple types of personal electronic instruments of different sizes and shapes, while still providing secure holding through contact surfaces and positioning features
6Area of stationary object
If a charge clip is mounted to an AC wall outlet, then counter space is freed and devices are protected from spills, but the outlet orientation may not align with the desired charging orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion plug is made rotatable within the aperture, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cradle orientation to match the desired charging position regardless of the fixed wall outlet orientation, while maintaining electrical connection
Data Source
AI summary
A charge clip having a main body and plug received through an aperture therein includes a cradle for holding a personal electronic instrument (PEI) thereon. The plug is inserted into a wall outlet and the main body is selectively rotationally moveable with respect to the plug so that the main body is maintained in a vertical orientation regardless of the orientation of the wall outlet. The plug includes at least one rib that is selectively engageable with at least one notch formed in the aperture, preventing rotational movement of the main body with respect to the plug. The plug further includes an AC/DC conversion circuit that converts standard AC power from the wall outlet to DC power for charging the PEI. The charge clip further includes at least one USB port in electrical communication with the AC/DC conversion circuit that receives a USB plug in electrical communication with the PEI.