Surface-Mountable Electrical Power Unit Integrating AC and DC Receptacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable personal electrical devices that use low voltage direct current (DC) power require bulky power adapters to charge and operate with typical AC electrical outlets, making them inconvenient for use with AC-powered devices.
Innovation Solution
A surface-mountable electrical power unit with a low thickness profile that integrates high voltage AC and low voltage DC receptacles, allowing both AC and DC-powered devices to connect directly without bulky adapters, featuring a circuit board, frame, and face plate for easy installation and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional AC electrical outlet is used, then AC-powered devices can be charged, but DC-powered devices require bulky portable power adapters that are inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both AC and DC receptacles into a single electrical power unit that can be mounted in a surface. The unit integrates an AC electrical receptacle and a DC electrical receptacle (with USB interfaces) into one compact device, eliminating the need for separate outlets or portable adapters. This merging allows both AC-powered and DC-powered devices to be charged from the same location without requiring users to carry additional equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a portable power adapter is used to provide DC power from AC outlet, then DC devices can be charged, but the adapter becomes bulky and inconvenient to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the AC-to-DC conversion functionality directly into the wall-mounted power unit rather than requiring a separate portable adapter. The circuit board within the unit contains the necessary circuitry to convert AC power to DC power for the USB receptacles, combining multiple functions (AC receptacle, DC receptacle, and power conversion) into a single stationary unit. This eliminates the need for users to carry portable power adapters.
3Adaptability or versatility
If both AC and DC receptacles are integrated in one unit, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but the unit thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the AC and DC receptacles in a spatial configuration that minimizes the thickness of the power unit. The receptacles are positioned on the front face of the unit at different horizontal positions, allowing both to be accessible while keeping the unit's depth (thickness) minimal. The frame and face plate are designed to accommodate both receptacle types within a compact form factor that maintains a low thickness profile.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power unit or electronic data unit includes an outer housing, a circuit board positioned inside the outer housing, a frame inserted inside the outer housing, and a face plate fitted over the outer housing. The circuit board supports, for example, a high voltage AC electrical receptacle, a low voltage DC electrical receptacle, and a switch, each of which is electrically connected to the circuit board. The frame defines a plurality of outlet openings for receiving respective one of the AC electrical receptacle, the DC electrical receptacle, and the switch. The face plate defines outer receptacle openings that align with respective outlet openings of the frame to provide access to the respective AC electrical receptacle, DC electrical receptacle, and switch.