Slotted Wall Plate Retainer for USB Cable Theft Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Businesses face the challenge of customers accidentally or intentionally taking USB charging cables with built-in electrical connection fittings from AC and DC outlets, leading to continuous losses as there is no effective mechanism to securely retain these cables.
Innovation Solution
The development of a wall plate with a cable retention member and cord pass-through section that protrudes from the front face, featuring a slot and opening designed to allow USB connectors to pass through in specific orientations, preventing removal by users and reducing wear and tear on the cables and outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If USB charging cables are made easily accessible in outlets, then user convenience is improved, but cable theft and loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a cable retention mechanism that proactively prevents cable removal before theft can occur. The retention member with slot and opening creates a physical barrier that allows cables to be inserted easily but prevents them from being pulled out, thereby countering the potential harmful action of cable theft in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable retention member acts as an intermediary between the outlet and the cable. It mediates the interaction by providing a controlled interface through which cables can pass through the slot and opening, allowing easy insertion while maintaining secure retention, thus resolving the contradiction between accessibility and security.
2Reliability
If cable retention mechanisms are added to wall plates, then cable security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retention mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a retention member with a slot, an opening, and a bridge portion. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall simplicity. The retention member can be manufactured as a separate piece and integrated into the wall plate, reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism applies local quality by concentrating the retention function in a specific localized area (the slot and opening in the retention member) rather than requiring a complex overall structure. The rest of the wall plate remains simple and unchanged, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing enhanced cable security where needed.
3Loss of substance
If cables are securely retained in outlets, then cable theft is prevented, but cable wear and tear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slot and opening are designed in advance to guide cables through a protected path. The preliminary design of the cable path through the retention member ensures that cables are routed in a way that prevents excessive bending or stress at critical connection points, thereby reducing wear and tear while maintaining secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member structure provides beforehand cushioning by creating a protected environment for the cable connections. The slot and opening are positioned and sized to accommodate cable movement within safe limits, cushioning against excessive force or improper handling that could damage the cable or connector.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall plate for covering an AC/DC wall outlet includes a generally rectangular or “designer” opening configured to receive the wall outlet. The wall plate includes one or more cord retention members. The cord retention member(s) protrudes from a front face of the wall plate. The retention member(s) protrudes far enough to allow the wall plate to seat on the outlet while a USB plug is in a corresponding DC outlet of the wall outlet. The retention member includes a slot configured to allow a mobile device-attachable plug to pass-through the slot in a first orientation but not a second orientation 90 degrees off from the first orientation. When the USB plug is in the DC outlet, it is in the second orientation relative to the slot.