Separable Plug Retaining Frame for Power Receptacles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power receptacles lack effective ways to indicate the function of electrical outlets and have difficulties in customization and maintenance, such as replacing broken parts without requiring extensive disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A power receptacle design featuring a separable plug retaining frame with color-coded functionality, allowing for customization and easy replacement of parts, along with a light guiding element to enhance visibility and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a flange is integrated into the shell structure to fix power cord plugs, then the structural strength is improved, but the ease of repair deteriorates because it is difficult to replace the flange
Solution Approach 1:
The plug retaining frame is separated from the shell body into an independent replaceable component. The outlet element is also separable from the shell body. This segmentation allows the plug retaining frame to be replaced independently without replacing the entire shell structure, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of repair.
2Shape
If the flange material is made uniform with the wall material, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates because the color cannot indicate outlet function or group
Solution Approach 1:
The plug retaining frame is given a different color from the shell body and wall material. This local quality difference allows the plug retaining frame to serve dual purposes: maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing functional indication through color coding. Different colors can indicate different outlet functions or groups, resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple link receptacles are provided, then the versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because they do not indicate outlet function or group
Solution Approach 1:
The plug retaining frame utilizes color changes to indicate outlet function or group. By assigning different colors to different functional groups or types of outlets, users can easily identify and operate the correct outlets without confusion. This color-coding system maintains versatility while dramatically improving ease of operation and function identification.
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
Enables customization and reduced inventory through color-coded plug retaining frames and cover plates, allowing users to change functions without disassembly, and provides easy maintenance by allowing replacement of broken parts, while the light guiding element improves visibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the plug retaining frame has at least one light guiding portion; wherein the outlet element and the plug retaining frame can be fixed on the shell body, at least one outlet of the outlet element can be exposed to the shell body, at least one first retaining slot of the plug retaining frame can be inserted a plug strap
Data Source
AI summary
A power receptacle having at least one separable plug retaining frame includes a shell body, at least one outlet element and at least one plug retaining frame. The shell body as at least one first through hole, the outlet element is fixed on the shell body and has at least one outlet, and the plug retaining frame has at least one first bending portion, at least one second bending portion and at least one first retaining slot outlet element such that at least one outlet of the outlet element is exposed to the first through hole, and the first and second bending portions are held together by the outlet element and the shell body. As a result, a plug strap can be inserted into the first retaining slot, and the color of the plug retaining frame will indicate the function or the group of the outlet element.