USB Outlet With Removable Emergency Lighting and Wireless Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrical outlets lack integrated lighting and communication capabilities, posing safety hazards, especially in low-light environments and during power outages, and fail to provide dual operation for night-lights and emergency lighting.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting electrical outlet system with a removable light source, USB outlets, and a communications module that integrates sensors and energy storage, allowing for night-light and emergency lighting modes, as well as wireless communication for environmental monitoring and alerting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional electrical outlets are used, then they provide basic power supply, but they lack integrated lighting and communication capabilities, creating safety hazards in low-light environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (electrical outlet, light source, sensor, and communication capabilities) into a single integrated device. The outlet housing incorporates a light source that can be activated by a sensor detecting darkness, eliminating the need for separate nightlight devices and providing adaptive lighting based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical outlet is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing electrical power, emitting light when darkness is detected, and potentially communicating status information. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace traditional outlets, nightlights, and environmental sensors.
2Illumination intensity
If night-lights are placed in electrical outlets, then they provide lighting, but they occupy the outlet and become hot creating fire hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LED technology for the light source, which generates minimal heat compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs are solid-state devices that convert most energy to light rather than heat, dramatically reducing fire hazards while maintaining effective illumination.
3Illumination intensity
If emergency lighting devices are used, then they provide emergency illumination, but they require large batteries and cannot provide dual operation for night-lights
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet-integrated light system draws power from the electrical outlet itself rather than requiring large batteries. The light is activated automatically by a sensor that detects darkness or power outage conditions, eliminating the need for manual operation or large energy storage devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system dynamically adjusts its operation based on environmental conditions detected by the sensor. The light activates automatically when darkness is detected or during power outages, and deactivates when normal power is restored or ambient light is sufficient, optimizing energy usage based on real-time conditions.
4Ease of operation
If traditional outlets are used in low-light areas, then they provide power supply, but they require additional lamps or flashlights making operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors ambient light conditions and automatically activates the light source before a user needs to interact with the outlet. This preliminary action of detecting darkness and activating light ensures the area is illuminated before someone attempts to plug in a device, eliminating the need to carry separate lighting devices.
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 safe and efficient lighting in low-light conditions, enables dual operation for night-lights and emergency lighting, and facilitates communication and environmental monitoring, enhancing safety and usability during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
A light-emitting electrical outlet system with a removable light source
Implementation Method 2
The system includes a removable light source and a communications module that integrates sensors and energy storage
Implementation Method 3
Many night-lights also do not include light detectors or photovoltaic cell to determine when daylight or other lights sources are sufficient to turn off
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 includes 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.