Triplex Receptacle Bus Bar Arrangement for Compact Outlet Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical receptacles struggle to accommodate three or more devices within a standard single wall box while maintaining compliance with ANSI/NEMA standards, often requiring non-standard constructions and leading to issues with plug and transformer compatibility.
Innovation Solution
A triplex electrical receptacle design featuring a standard-sized body with strategically positioned phase and neutral bus bars and contacts, allowing for the connection of three outlets with all ground prongs within the wall box, and optional separate circuit capabilities for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If three or more outlets are added to accommodate multiple devices, then the versatility and device compatibility improve, but the receptacle size exceeds standard wall box dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar arrangement of outlets to a three-dimensional configuration where outlets are positioned at different depths and angles within the receptacle body. This allows three outlets to be accommodated in a compact footprint that fits standard wall boxes while maintaining accessibility and compatibility with various plug types.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle design nests multiple outlet configurations within a single standardized faceplate dimension. By arranging outlets in a nested manner where some are recessed or positioned at varying depths, the design accommodates multiple devices simultaneously without increasing the external dimensions beyond ANSI/NEMA standards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If outlets are oriented in different directions to accommodate various plug types, then the adaptability improves, but the ground prong openings become centrally clustered and prone to blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric positioning of ground prong openings relative to the outlet orientations. Rather than symmetric central clustering, the ground openings are strategically positioned to maintain clear access paths even when outlets face different directions, preventing blockage by chargers or transformers while preserving compatibility with various plug types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If nonstandard constructions are used to fit three or more outlets, then the device compatibility improves, but the compliance with ANSI/NEMA standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle design achieves universal compatibility with three or more device types while maintaining adherence to ANSI/NEMA dimensional standards. By incorporating multiple outlet orientations and configurations within the standardized faceplate dimensions, the design fulfills both regulatory requirements and diverse operational needs without requiring nonstandard constructions.
Data Source
AI summary
A triplex electrical receptacle has a flexible, compact arrangement of bus bars and phase, neutral and ground contacts associated with three outlets. Two outlets are nearest two corners of the body that share a common first side, and the third outlet is between them but closer to the opposite side of the body. A common neutral bus bar (with terminal) is connected to the neutral contacts of all three outlets. The phase bus bar (with terminal) is connected to the phase contacts of at least two of the outlets. One embodiment permanently connects the phase contact of the third outlet to the phase bus bar; another embodiment permanently isolates the third outlet, connecting its phase contact to a separate phase terminal; and an additional embodiment incorporates a separate phase terminal for the third outlet and an optionally severable connection between the third outlet and the first phase terminal.