Removable In-Wall Power Adapter Control for Safe Function Changes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Homeowners face challenges in easily and safely replacing in-wall power adapters, which can be costly and risky, and often require professional installation, especially in newly constructed homes where the optimal placement of power adapters is not immediately known, leading to frustration and additional expenses.
Innovation Solution
A control attachment for in-wall power adapters that allows for easy configuration and control of power application using a plurality of contact elements, enabling homeowners to modify power adapter functionality without replacing the entire unit, thereby reducing installation risks and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a homeowner replaces an in-wall power adapter, then the power adapter functionality can be upgraded or modified, but the installation process poses electrical safety risks and requires professional expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate components: a power adapter unit installed by a professional and a removable control attachment that homeowners can swap themselves. This segmentation allows functionality changes without requiring homeowners to access or replace the entire power adapter, eliminating electrical safety risks while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
A control attachment serves as an intermediary component between the homeowner and the power adapter. Homeowners interact with and replace only the control attachment, which mediates the connection to the power adapter's electrical components. This intermediary approach enables easy functionality changes without exposing homeowners to electrical hazards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a homeowner replaces an in-wall power adapter, then updated functionality can be achieved, but installation costs increase due to professional service requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the power adapter system into a permanent adapter unit and a replaceable control attachment, the invention allows homeowners to perform inexpensive swaps themselves. Only the low-cost control attachment needs replacement, not the entire expensive power adapter, significantly reducing installation costs while maintaining functionality upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The control attachment is designed as a lower-cost, replaceable component that can be easily swapped by homeowners. Rather than replacing the entire expensive power adapter, homeowners can affordably replace just the control attachment to achieve functionality updates, reducing overall installation costs.
3Productivity
If power adapters are installed during new construction, then initial setup is complete, but future reconfiguration requires costly and time-consuming replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The separable design between power adapter and control attachment enables efficient initial installation during construction while simultaneously allowing easy future reconfiguration. The control attachment can be replaced without disturbing the installed power adapter, providing both initial productivity and future adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed power adapter to a dynamic configuration where the control attachment can be easily changed. This dynamic design maintains the benefits of initial installation while enabling flexible future adaptations as homeowner needs evolve, without requiring costly reinstallation.
Data Source
AI summary
A control attachment for an in-wall power adapter configured to control an application of power to a load is described. The control attachment may comprise a plurality of contact elements; a first contact element of the plurality of contact elements configured to receive a power signal; a second contact element of the plurality of contact elements configured to receive the power signal by way of the in-wall power adapter; a third contact element of the plurality of contact elements configured to provide the power signal to a load by way of the in-wall power adapter; and a conductor electrically coupling the second contact element to the third contact element; wherein the control attachment is configured to allow the in-wall power adapter to control an application of power to a load by way of the third contact element.