USB Outlet Faceplate With Backup Lighting and Removable Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical outlets lack integrated lighting, often requiring separate nightlights or emergency lighting that can be inefficient and pose fire hazards, especially in areas with limited lighting or during power outages.
Innovation Solution
A light emitting electrical outlet system with a removable light source, USB outlets, and connectivity features, including a communications module for wireless communication, integrated within the outlet faceplate to provide both nightlight and emergency lighting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical outlets are used without integrated lighting, then the outlet structure remains simple and cost-effective, but lighting functionality must be provided by separate devices that occupy additional outlets and pose fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical outlet functionality with integrated lighting into a single unified device. The outlet assembly includes both the electrical receptacle and light source within the same housing, eliminating the need for separate nightlight devices and reducing the number of outlets required in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical outlet is designed to perform multiple functions: providing electrical power through the receptacle and providing illumination through the integrated light source. This multi-functional design allows the single device to replace both traditional outlets and separate lighting devices.
2Illumination intensity
If separate nightlights are used to provide lighting, then lighting can be provided in dark areas, but additional electrical outlets are consumed and fire hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the electrical outlet and light source into a single integrated unit, the patent eliminates the need for additional separate nightlight devices. This reduces the total number of electrical components in the environment, thereby reducing potential fire hazards while maintaining both power and lighting functions.
3Reliability
If emergency lighting devices are used, then lighting is provided during power outages, but these devices require large batteries and complex circuitry that cannot provide lighting in non-emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated outlet device serves itself by providing both power and lighting functions through a single unified system. The device eliminates the need for separate emergency lighting systems with large batteries and complex circuitry, as the integrated design provides continuous operation without requiring specialized emergency-only components.
4Ease of operation
If nightlights operate continuously without light detection, then lighting is always available, but energy is wasted and the light source may overheat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a light sensor that detects ambient light levels and provides feedback to the control circuit. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the lighting operation - turning the light off when sufficient ambient light is detected and turning it on when darkness is detected, thereby optimizing energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
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 provides enhanced safety and convenience by offering integrated lighting that can function during power outages, reducing the need for separate nightlights and emergency lighting, while also enabling communication and connectivity features.
Implementation Method 1
A light emitting electrical outlet system with a removable light source
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet device and system for providing light and power during the night or during a power failure. The device and system include rechargeable energy storage devices that can be utilized to provide power to the outlet(s) and the light sources. The device and system can have two sections, a main and a removable section both having their own energy storage devices and light sources. The removeable section may connected with a computing device that can interface with a wireless module to transmit/receive data packets wirelessly.