Wall Plate Retention Component for USB Plug Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power outlet configurations fail to securely retain USB plugs, allowing them to be easily removed or displaced from sockets, which can lead to accidental disconnection and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A power outlet wall plate with a retention component that includes a casing with side portions and a retention portion, designed to fit over USB sockets, preventing the plug from being removed by extending a slot opening that aligns with the sockets and has a width to receive the wire, while allowing access to other connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard power outlet is used without retention components, then the outlet is simple and easy to access, but the USB plug can be easily removed or displaced from the socket
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate is divided into functional zones: a first recess for USB sockets with retention walls, and a second recess for AC sockets without retention. This segmentation allows selective retention only where needed (USB plugs) while maintaining simplicity for other connectors, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention features are applied locally only to the USB socket area through retention walls extending from the first recess, rather than uniformly across the entire wall plate. This localized approach provides necessary plug retention while minimizing additional complexity, allowing easy access to AC sockets without retention structures.
2Reliability
If retention walls are added to secure USB plugs, then accidental disconnection is prevented, but access to other connectors may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate features separate recesses: a first recess with retention walls for USB sockets, and a second recess without retention for AC sockets. This segmentation ensures USB plugs are secured against accidental disconnection while AC connectors remain fully accessible, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention functionality is localized to the USB socket area through retention walls that extend only in the first recess. The second recess for AC sockets maintains open accessibility without retention structures, allowing different operational characteristics in different locations to simultaneously satisfy both reliability and ease of operation requirements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the wall plate structure is modified to retain plugs, then safety hazards are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention walls are integrated directly into the wall plate structure during a single molding process, combining the retention function with the mounting structure. This merging approach reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating separate retention components and assembly steps, while still providing safety against accidental disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall plate structure serves multiple functions: mounting to the surface, providing recesses for different socket types, and retaining USB plugs through integrated retention walls. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while addressing safety hazards from accidental disconnection.
Data Source
AI summary
Power outlet wall plates having retention components are described herein that are configured to be mounted around power outlets to thereby retain power cords in electrical engagement with sockets of the power outlets. The retention components can be secured to the structure using any suitable mechanism, such as by using fasteners, snap fit, and so forth.