Motorized Telescoping Power Strip for Hidden Outlet Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power extension solutions, such as extension cords and power strips, are inconvenient and untidy, requiring users to crawl to plug in devices and often resulting in a messy arrangement of tangled wires, especially when accessing power outlets in hard-to-reach locations like bedside or couch areas.
Innovation Solution
A power outlet extension system featuring a base with a drive motor and telescoping extension, allowing the power strip to be extended and retracted to various positions, with a power cable connecting to a wall outlet and including a GFCI circuit, and optionally integrated into furniture for concealed storage and adjustable positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional extension cords and power strips are used, then power outlets become accessible in hard-to-reach locations, but convenience deteriorates because users must crawl on the floor to plug in devices
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip is mounted on a telescoping extension that can dynamically adjust its position between retracted and extended states, allowing the power outlets to move from a hidden position behind furniture to an accessible position without requiring users to crawl on the floor
Solution Approach 2:
A motorized telescoping mechanism serves as an intermediary between the hidden power strip and the user, automatically extending the power strip to an accessible position when activated by a remote control or wall switch, eliminating the need for direct floor-level access
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords and power strips are deployed to provide power access, then power availability improves, but tidiness deteriorates due to messy jumbles of tangled wires
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip is extracted from the visible space and mounted on a telescoping extension that retracts it behind furniture when not in use, removing the visual clutter of power strips and cords from the living space while maintaining power availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between a retracted state where the power strip is hidden behind furniture maintaining a clean aesthetic, and an extended state where power outlets are accessible, allowing the space to maintain tidiness while providing power when needed
3Ease of operation
If power strips are positioned for easy access, then convenience improves, but aesthetics deteriorate due to visible cords and messy arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The power strip position is made dynamic through a motorized telescoping mechanism that extends the power strip to an accessible position only when needed, and retracts it behind furniture when not in use, allowing the system to alternate between accessibility and aesthetic appeal based on usage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping extension acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the hidden power strip and the user, extending the power strip to an accessible position when activated and retracting it when not needed, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of accessibility and aesthetics
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
Provides convenient, tidy, and accessible power outlets that can be positioned at desired heights and angles, improving usability and aesthetics while keeping the system out of sight when not in use, addressing the issues of convenience and tidiness in existing solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a base housing a drive motor, a telescoping extension mounted on the base... the power cable further in electrical communication with the drive motor for selectively positioning the power strip by extending and retracting the upper section
Data Source
AI summary
Pursuant to some embodiments, a power outlet extension system comprises a base housing a drive motor, a telescoping extension mounted on the base, the telescoping extension having at least a lower section and an upper section, a power strip mounted on a first end of the upper section, the power strip in electrical communication with a power cable, the power cable extending through the telescoping extension and the base to a power outlet, the power cable further in electrical communication with the drive motor for selectively positioning the power strip by extending and retracting the upper section.