Wall-Mounted Receptacle Side-Mounted USB Ports Aesthetic Clutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wall-mounted multifunctional electrical receptacles face issues such as reduced AC outlet availability, visual clutter, unsightly design, limited USB ports, and inefficient power delivery due to the placement and efficiency of AC-DC power converters, which hinder simultaneous use of AC and DC power outlets and fail to aesthetically match standard receptacles.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves arranging auxiliary ports, such as USB or other connectors, along the sides and top/bottom of the receptacle's wall plate to avoid obstruction, incorporating a high-efficiency AC-DC power converter within the receptacle to provide both AC and DC power independently, and using a detachable faceplate for customization, allowing for a sleek design and enhanced power delivery capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB ports are placed on the front face alongside AC outlets, then DC power delivery is provided, but visual clutter increases and aesthetic simplicity is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves USB ports from the front face (2D plane) to the side walls (3D spatial arrangement), creating a multi-dimensional layout that separates DC and AC outlets visually while maintaining functionality. This dimensional transition resolves the conflict between adding DC power capability and preserving aesthetic simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB ports are placed in the space between AC outlets, then both AC and DC power are available, but plug obstruction occurs and simultaneous use is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates USB ports from the front face space between AC outlets to the side walls, creating spatial separation in three dimensions. This allows AC plugs and USB cables to be inserted simultaneously without obstruction, as they occupy different spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is segmented into distinct functional zones: AC outlets on the front face and USB ports on the side walls. This segmentation separates the insertion paths of AC plugs and USB cables, eliminating interference and enabling simultaneous use of both power types.
3Power
If a high-efficiency AC-DC power converter is incorporated, then power delivery capability increases, but device complexity and heat management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the AC-DC power converter within the receptacle housing, merging the power conversion function with the existing electrical infrastructure. This consolidation provides high-power DC delivery capability while utilizing the available space efficiently and managing heat generation within the unified structure.
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
This configuration maintains the aesthetic simplicity of standard receptacles, provides additional power options without obstructing AC outlets, and enables high-power charging of multiple devices while preserving the form factor of a standard duplex electrical receptacle.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a high-efficiency AC-DC power converter within the receptacle to provide both AC and DC power independently
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical receptacle providing standard alternating current (AC) power connectors and multiple side-mounted auxiliary ports. Auxiliary ports may include direct current (DC) power delivery means, such as USB ports, and/or unpowered ports, such as audio/visual equipment connectors or network ports.