Low-Profile Smart Outlet With Switched Flush-Wall Power Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart outlets are bulky and thick, making them difficult to place in confined spaces and aesthetically unpleasing, as they require the same depth as a plug for prong penetration, leading to a deep stack when multiple plugs are used.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile smart outlet design with an insulating barrier between the plug prongs and the wall outlet contacts, using a controllable switch to establish an alternative electrical path, allowing the prongs to protrude into the outlet holes without direct contact, and incorporating layers of insulating and conducting materials to manage power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the smart outlet is designed to accommodate plug prongs with sufficient depth for penetration, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the outlet becomes bulky and thick, limiting placement options and creating aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the smart outlet adapter contains a receptacle that accepts plug prongs, which in turn contain conductive elements that make contact with contact pads. The insulating barrier is nested within the receptacle structure, allowing the prongs to penetrate through the adapter body while maintaining reliable electrical connection. This nested arrangement enables the outlet to be low-profile while ensuring sufficient contact depth for reliable connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional deep outlet design to a low-profile design by redistributing functional elements in different spatial dimensions. The insulating barrier is positioned between the prong and contact pad in a planar configuration rather than requiring deep penetration. The electrical connection is established through a switched alternative path that routes power through the adapter body horizontally, eliminating the need for deep vertical penetration and achieving reliable connection in a compact depth dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plugs are stacked in the outlet, then power distribution to multiple devices is enabled, but the stack depth increases, making it difficult to fit in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables multiple plugs to be stacked by implementing a nested receptacle structure where each adapter contains a receptacle that accepts the next adapter. The insulating barriers and conductive elements are nested within each adapter body, allowing multiple units to be stacked vertically while maintaining a compact overall depth. This nested arrangement permits power distribution to multiple devices without creating excessive stack depth that would prevent fitting in confined spaces.
3Length of stationary object
If the outlet design allows prongs to protrude into outlet holes, then a low-profile design is achieved, but direct contact between metal prongs and outlet contacts must be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating barrier as an intermediary element positioned between the metal plug prong and the outlet contact pad. This insulating barrier prevents direct contact between the prong and contact pad, eliminating the risk of unintended electrical connection or short circuits. The barrier allows the prong to protrude into the outlet holes for low-profile design while maintaining electrical safety by blocking direct contact. Power is instead transferred through the switched alternative path through the adapter body.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch includes a bridge portion comprising a set of prongs that are inserted into an existing outlet of an electrical receptacle. It further includes a switched outlet that is connected to the bridge portion. At least a portion of the switched outlet is embedded in a wall. Electrical connection between the switched outlet and the existing outlet is controllable.