Telescoping Outlet Extender With Rotating Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical outlets are often located at inconvenient heights, requiring users to bend or move furniture to access them, posing difficulties especially for those with back issues and creating a need for a solution to extend outlet access to a more comfortable height.
Innovation Solution
An extending outlet access device with a frame and adjustable body that can be mounted to a wall, featuring a male end and access point that can pivot, swivel, or rotate to accommodate various orientations and locations, allowing for secure and convenient access to electrical, data, or audio systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical outlets are installed at standard wall height, then installation simplicity is maintained, but accessibility deteriorates when furniture blocks the outlet or when users have back issues
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet extension device incorporates a telescoping mechanism with movable segments that can extend and retract. The body includes a first portion and second portion connected by a telescoping mechanism, allowing the device to change its length dynamically. This enables the outlet to reach higher positions when needed while maintaining a compact form when retracted, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple segments including a wall-mounted base, a telescoping body with first and second portions, and a movable outlet assembly. These segmented components can move relative to each other, allowing the outlet to be positioned at different heights and angles. This segmentation enables complex functionality while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet extension device is made adjustable in length and shape, then adaptability to different user needs is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism allows the device length to be adjusted dynamically without requiring multiple fixed-length versions. The first and second portions can slide relative to each other, providing continuous adjustment range. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves high adaptability while using a relatively simple mechanical design that can be manufactured using standard techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates multiple functions within a single structure: the telescoping mechanism provides length adjustment, the pivoting joint enables angular adjustment, and the swivel joint allows rotational movement. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability for different outlet positions and orientations while avoiding the need for multiple separate devices, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach.
3Ease of operation
If a telescoping mechanism is used to extend the outlet reach, then accessibility to higher positions is improved, but device complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping mechanism provides controlled movement between the first and second portions of the body, allowing the outlet to extend to higher positions when needed. The mechanism includes features to maintain electrical connection stability during movement, such as flexible conduits for power and data cables that can accommodate the telescoping motion without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism nests the second portion within or alongside the first portion, allowing compact storage when retracted. The nested structure includes guiding features and connection points that maintain alignment and stability during extension and retraction, reducing wear and improving reliability of the mechanical connection over time.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical extending outlet having a rigid body slidably extendable such that, in use, extends the outlet of a wall above a restrictive surface. The rigid body has a male connector on its lower end that is rotatable to allow the rigid body to be positioned in a number of positions relative to the wall outlet. On the upper end of the rigid body is at least one female outlet which a user can insert a male plug of an electrical device. The rigid body has a fastener to attach the rigid body to the wall.