Tool-Free Electrical Outlet Assembly With Integrated Latch Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power outlets require tools for installation and removal, and they often necessitate a separate mounting box, which can complicate reconfiguration of modular electrical systems in work areas and other settings.
Innovation Solution
A three-part housing electrical power outlet that can be installed and removed without tools, featuring a perimeter housing portion, a front housing portion with latch tabs for secure mounting, and a rear housing portion with strain relief and bus bar support, allowing for easy reconfiguration and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrical outlets are used, then electrical power can be supplied reliably, but tool-free installation and removal cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical outlet is divided into three separate housing portions (front, rear, and perimeter) that can be assembled and disassembled independently. The electrical contacts are also separated into contact assemblies that can be independently installed and removed, enabling tool-free reconfiguration while maintaining reliable electrical connections through dedicated contact interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet incorporates movable latch tabs that can transition between engaged and disengaged states to secure the housing portions together without tools. The strain relief mechanism also provides dynamic adjustment to accommodate cord movement while maintaining secure electrical connections, balancing ease of operation with connection reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular electrical systems are used for reconfiguration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate mounting boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is merged directly into the outlet housing itself through integrated latch tabs and mounting features on the front, rear, and perimeter housing portions. This eliminates the need for separate mounting boxes while maintaining modular reconfiguration capability, as the entire outlet assembly can be installed and removed as a single unit or in parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing portions are designed with universal mounting features that can accommodate different installation configurations and wall types. The perimeter housing portion can engage with various mounting surfaces, and the outlet can be reconfigured for different electrical contact arrangements, providing multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity.
3Strength
If the outlet is made durable against rough usage, then strength is improved, but ease of tool-free removal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is segmented into multiple housing portions that can be removed sequentially without tools. The front housing portion can be detached first by actuating latch tabs, followed by the rear and perimeter portions, allowing easy removal while maintaining overall structural strength through the modular design. Each segment is designed to be sufficiently strong for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different housing portions are optimized with locally appropriate properties: the front housing portion has a durable outer shell for protection, while the rear housing portion incorporates flexible strain relief. The latch tabs are designed with localized flexibility for easy actuation, while the main housing structures maintain strength to resist damage and wear during normal and rough usage.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet has a housing including a perimeter housing portion sandwiched between front and rear housing portions. The perimeter housing portion defines an interior and has a front edge and a rear edge. The front housing portion has a rear surface that engages the front edge of the perimeter housing portion, and the front housing portion includes one or more electrical receptacle openings to the interior, optionally with a plurality of rearwardly-extending latch tabs for securing the electrical outlet to a mounting surface. The rear housing portion has a front surface that engages the rear edge of the perimeter housing portion. The rear and perimeter housing portions may cooperate to define a strain relief for an electrical cord that supplies power to electrical contacts inside the housing.