Wall-Mounted Outlet Center for Auxiliary Power Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for connecting multiple loads to auxiliary power sources, such as electric generators, require routing extension cords through open windows or doors, exposing them to the elements and being cumbersome, especially during inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
A kit comprising a wall-mounted power inlet box and power outlet center with electrical connectors passing through a protective conduit, allowing indoor connections to an auxiliary power supply without external cords, and optionally featuring illumination and status lights for improved usability during blackouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If extension cords are routed through open windows or doors to connect loads to auxiliary power supply, then multiple loads can be connected to the power supply, but the connections are exposed to the elements and become cumbersome during inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a power inlet box mounted on the exterior wall and a power outlet center mounted on the interior wall, connected through a wall opening. This intermediary structure allows power transmission through the wall without exposing connections to external elements, thereby maintaining connection reliability while enabling multiple load connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the power connection function into separate components: an exterior power inlet box for receiving power from the auxiliary supply, a wall opening for protected cable passage, and an interior power outlet center for distributing power to multiple loads. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while protecting connections from environmental exposure.
2Ease of operation
If extension cords are routed through open windows or doors, then power can be delivered to loads, but the routing becomes cumbersome and problematic during inclement weather
Solution Approach 1:
The power inlet box and outlet center are pre-installed on the exterior and interior walls respectively, with the wall opening prepared in advance. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for temporary cord routing through windows or doors during power outages, making the connection process simple and weather-proof while requiring minimal setup complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power strips are used to connect multiple loads, then more loads can be powered, but extension cords must still be routed externally exposing connections to elements
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted outlet center serves as an intermediary distribution point that receives power through the protected wall opening and provides multiple interior sockets for connecting loads. This eliminates the need to route extension cords externally while maintaining the ability to connect multiple loads, thereby protecting connections from environmental harm.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an outlet center for use with a power inlet box to electrically connect one or more loads to an auxiliary power supply connected to the power inlet box. The outlet center is designed to be mounted to an interior surface of a wall with the power inlet box mounted to an exterior surface of the wall. Electrical conductors extend through the wall between the outlet center and the power inlet box. The outlet center includes sockets adapted to receive the plug of an electrical load so that auxiliary power may be fed to the electrical load during primary power unavailability. The outlet center may illuminate when auxiliary power is available to assist a user in locating the outlet center during blackout conditions and may also include an indicator lamp that illuminates when auxiliary power is being provided to an electrical load connected to the outlet center.