Telescoping Power Strip Extension for Tidy Accessible Outlets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power extension solutions, such as extension cords and power strips, are inconvenient and unsightly, often requiring users to crawl to plug in devices and resulting in a messy tangle of wires, failing to provide accessible and tidy power outlets where needed.
Innovation Solution
A power outlet extension system with a telescoping mechanism and drive motor that allows the power strip to be extended and retracted, providing convenient and attractive access to power outlets by positioning them at various heights and angles, and can be integrated into furniture or used as a separate unit, with a base housing a reversible electric motor and worm gear mechanism for efficient extension and retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords or power strips are used to provide accessible power outlets, then power accessibility is improved, but convenience deteriorates because users must crawl on the floor to plug in devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the power strip movable through a telescoping mechanism with a drive motor. The power strip can dynamically adjust its position between retracted and extended states, allowing it to move from a stored position behind furniture to an accessible position where devices can be plugged in, thereby improving both accessibility and convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning the power strip from a floor-level horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement that extends upward from the base. This vertical dimension allows the power strip to reach devices on surfaces like desks or shelves without requiring users to crawl on the floor
2Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords or power strips are used to provide accessible power outlets, then power accessibility is improved, but tidiness deteriorates due to a messy jumble of tangled wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the power strip inside a telescoping mechanism that can be retracted into a compact base unit. When not in use, the power strip nests within the base, concealing the outlets and minimizing the visual footprint. The power cord is also routed through the telescoping mechanism, keeping it organized and preventing tangling
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic telescoping mechanism allows the system to transition between a compact, tidy stored state and an extended, functional state. This dynamic capability enables the power strip to maintain tidiness when retracted while providing accessibility when extended
3Ease of operation
If a telescoping mechanism with drive motor is used to improve convenience and tidiness, then ease of operation and tidiness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical telescoping mechanisms with a simpler motor-driven system. The drive motor, coupled with a worm gear mechanism, provides controlled extension and retraction of the power strip through a simplified mechanical transmission, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service through automatic position detection and motor control. The motor-driven telescoping mechanism can automatically extend or retract the power strip based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation and reducing user interaction complexity
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
The system offers convenient, tidy, and accessible power outlets in various locations, improving user experience by eliminating the need to crawl for plugs and reducing wire clutter, while being easily storable and maintainable.
Implementation Method 1
a base housing a reversible electric motor and worm gear mechanism for efficient extension and retraction
Implementation Method 2
reversible electric motor and worm gear mechanism for efficient extension and retraction
Data Source
AI summary
Pursuant to some embodiments, an electrical extension system including a telescoping extension having at least a lower section and an upper section and being manually extendable and contracted; a base to receive and support the telescoping extension, at least at two different locations on the base; a power strip mountable on a first end of the upper section, the power strip being mountable to the first end of the upper section at least at one terminal end of the power strip and a non-terminal end of the power strip; and a power cable, the power cable being in electrical communication with the power strip and extending into the telescoping extension.