USB Outlet Faceplate With Removable Emergency Lighting Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical outlets lack integrated lighting and communication capabilities, are often placed in poorly lit areas, and existing nightlights and emergency lights have limitations such as requiring separate outlets, posing fire hazards and lacking dual operation modes.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device integrated within an electrical outlet faceplate that includes a removable light source and a communication module, capable of operating as a nightlight or emergency light during power failures, with wireless connectivity for communication between outlets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional electrical outlets are used without integrated lighting, then the outlet structure remains simple and cost-effective, but the outlet cannot provide lighting in poorly lit areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an electrical outlet with an integrated lighting device into a single unit. The outlet housing incorporates a light source, diffuser, and control circuitry, merging two separate functions (power delivery and illumination) into one integrated device that can be mounted on a single outlet faceplate.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated outlet device serves multiple functions: it provides electrical power through the outlet, delivers illumination through the integrated light source, and can operate in different modes (nightlight mode with lower intensity, emergency mode with higher intensity). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate outlets for power and lighting.
2Illumination intensity
If nightlights are plugged into electrical outlets, then lighting is provided, but the outlet is occupied and cannot be used for other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet and nightlight are merged into a single integrated unit mounted on one faceplate. The outlet portion provides electrical power while the integrated light portion provides illumination, allowing both functions to coexist without occupying separate outlets. The device can be controlled via switch, dimmer, or photocell to operate automatically at dusk.
3Reliability
If emergency lighting devices are used, then lighting is provided during power failures, but they require large batteries and complex circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated outlet device incorporates a photocell sensor that automatically detects ambient light levels and controls the light source accordingly. During daytime or when ambient light is sufficient, the light remains off. At dusk or during power failures, the photocell triggers the light to illuminate, providing automatic emergency lighting without requiring complex battery management systems or manual intervention.
4Ease of operation
If outlets are placed in poorly lit areas, then proper electrical distribution is achieved, but the outlets are difficult to access and use
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated outlet device includes a light source that illuminates the area around the outlet before plugging is attempted. The light can be activated manually via switch or dimmer, or automatically via photocell detection, providing preliminary illumination that makes the outlet visible and accessible in dark areas, eliminating the need for separate flashlights or lamps.
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 integrated lighting for nightlight and emergency use without occupying additional outlets, reduces fire hazards, and enables communication between outlets for coordinated lighting during emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, which can include at least one light emitting diode (LED)
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.