Wall Plate Arc Profile Diffuses Light to Eliminate Glare
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall plates for electrical wiring devices often suffer from glare issues due to specular reflections, collect dirt and grime, and fail to align properly with multi-gang installations, leading to an aesthetically displeasing appearance and uneven surface concealment.
Innovation Solution
A wall plate design featuring a single, glossy smooth plastic surface with a latitudinal and longitudinal arc profile that diffuses light uniformly, minimizing perceived thickness and hiding uneven surfaces, and utilizing screwless attachment for alignment with multi-gang configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a smooth glossy plastic surface is used for the wall plate, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but glare is produced due to specular reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate incorporates curved surfaces with specific radii of curvature (e.g., R1=1 inch, R2=0.5 inch) that transform the flat reflective surface into a curved one. This curvature diffuses the specular reflection, causing reflected light to scatter in multiple directions rather than creating concentrated glare, while preserving the glossy aesthetic appearance
2Object-generated harmful factors
If non-reflective materials are used to eliminate glare, then glare is reduced, but the materials collect dirt and grime over time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using non-reflective materials, the invention maintains glossy plastic materials and eliminates glare through geometric curvature. The curved surfaces diffuse reflection optically without creating surface textures that would trap dirt and grime, thus avoiding the drawback of material soiling
3Reliability
If a wall plate with multiple planar facets is used, then the protective function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to house of mirrors effect
Solution Approach 1:
The wall plate uses continuous curved surfaces instead of multiple planar facets. This eliminates the house of mirrors effect where each flat facet creates separate reflections, replacing it with a single curved surface that diffuses light uniformly while maintaining the protective enclosure function
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wall plates are used in multi-gang installations, then installation is simple, but alignment with the device box is poor leading to uneven surface concealment
Solution Approach 1:
The curved geometry of the wall plate, particularly the arc-shaped edges and rounded corners, provides visual tolerance for alignment variations. The curvature masks minor misalignments between the wall plate and device box, creating the appearance of precise fit even when slight gaps or unevenness exist, thus maintaining both installation simplicity and visual precision
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 solution effectively eliminates glare, maintains a clean appearance by avoiding dirt collection, and ensures uniform alignment and aesthetics in multi-gang installations, enhancing the visual appeal and functionality of electrical wiring assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
A wall plate design featuring a single, glossy smooth plastic surface with a latitudinal and longitudinal arc profile that diffuses light uniformly, minimizing perceived thickness and hiding uneven surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A wall plate is disclosed that includes a plate portion having a finish surface bounded by a perimeter. The finish surface has a latitudinal profile characterized by a latitudinal arc and a longitudinal profile characterized by a longitudinal arc. The latitudinal arc is defined as a section of a first circle having a first radius and a first chord substantially equal to a latitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The first radius is a function of the number of gangs covered by the wall plate. The longitudinal arc is defined as a portion of a second circle having a second radius and a second chord substantially equal to a longitudinal dimension of the plate portion. The wall plate also includes a wall member disposed around the perimeter to form an interior volume.