Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02600426 2007-08-31
CONFIGURABLE SAFETYI.IGHT RF. .PTA I. .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to electrical wall receptacles. In
particular, this
invention relates to replacement wall receptacles that can house specific
function inserts
having common mechanical and electrical interfaces
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In most conventional buildings, both residential and commercial, electrical
receptacles are spaced out on walls at fixed intervals. This allows for
convenient
distribution of power, but does not typically provide any additional
functionality. Each
receptacle typically provides two outlets. The style of the provided outlet is
usually
determined by geographical location and the electrical standards of region.
In many buildings, emergency lighting is required to provide a means for
navigating in the dark. There are two common needs for navigation in the dark.
The first
is a conventional night light situation, whereby a light is required to
provide illumination
in a dark environment on a regular basis; the other is for backup lighting.
Backup lighting
is also referred to as blackout lighting, and is required when there is a
lower failure and
lighting cannot be turned on.
The prior art has attempted to address this situation by developing a number
of
solutions including both nightlights and rechargeable lights. Nightlights are
typically
plugged-in to one of the outlets provided in a standard receptacle. They often
include
switches, that can be either photosensitive or manually controlled. This
allows the
nightlight to be deactivated during daylight when it is not needed.
Rechargeable lights are
also designed to be connected to an outlet. Many of these lights wiIl activate
when they
are no longer in a charging state. Thus, a rechargeable flashlight of this
design will
activate both upon being unplugged and upon a power failure.
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One problem with both of these designs is that they consume an electrical
outlet,
and require external components that can be removed and accidentally
disconnected.
Thus, an integrated solution provides advantages.
Backup lighting is necessary to ensure that individuals can safely navigate
through
dark and even unfamiliar locations. The need for these lights to operate on
emergency
power is increased in locations such as hospitals, nursing homes, and both
industrial and
commercial buildings in which individuals may be unfamiliar with floor plans
and layouts.
Residential homes benefit from emergency lighting as it enables homeowners,
residents,
and guests to safely navigate the home when power outages occur. Emergency
rescue
personnel are often hampered by the lack of knowledge of floor designs,
increasing the
time and effort required to rescue people from potentially dangerous
situations.
Many solutions to backup lighting involve a dedicated lighting unit connected
to
the electrical power main. When a loss of power is detected, these systems
turn on.
Although they provide blackout lighting, they require additional wiring, which
is
inconvenient during construction, and expensive as a retrofit. The external
units are often
unsightly and are single purpose infrastructure items that serve no function
other than
emergency lighting.
A key limitation of conventional emergency lighting, especially considering
residential utilization, is installation of bulky and generally unappealing
systems that
require direct access to electrical outlet. In addition, these conventional
emergency lights
have a single operational function and hence cannot be tailored different
emergency
lighting scenerios (ie power loss, low-light illuniination, smoke/fire
detection). In addition,
alternate lighting can be provided by external devices (ie a night light
plugged into a
receptacle) however, these tend to be bulky and diminish the use of the wall
receptacle for
other purposes.
Thus, there remains a need for discrete emergency lighting that can
automatically
illuminate and can allow a user enough flexibility to select the appropriate
emergency
illumination situation.
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Prior art attempts at addressing this need are discussed below. Typically they
do
not provide a sufficiently integrated and flexible system.
U.S. Patents 6,010,288 and 6,000,807 both describes a light switch plate and
wall
receptacle plate that are installed in place of the normal flush mounted
plastic cover plates.
While generally easy to install as this senses the absence of power
wirelessly, this type of
fixture plate (in both thickness and length) is bulky, potentially unappealing
and only has
the power outage lighting feature via LED lights. Similarly U.S Patent
5,473,517 also use
this same type of bulky light switch plate but utilizes direct connection to
120VAC to
sense the presence or absence of power to both with the illumination source
being a
relatively inefficient fluorescent tube arrangement.
U.S. Patent 6,045,232 describe an emergency light arrangement that has both
the
capability of providing lighting for power out conditions and night light for
illumination
during low light levels. While this does have expanded utility as it provides
more than just
one type of emergency lighting and does not utilize bulky plates, this is a
direct
replacement of the wall receptacle removing the ability to use this as a
normal outlet. This
then precludes the use of this in certain locations where there are limited
numbers of wall
receptacles.
U.S. Patent 6,805,469 describes the complete replacement of the internal wall
receptacle and light switch units with a custom light switch and wall
receptacle that
internally contain the electronics and batteries for an emergency light. Both
arrangements
use illumination (light switch via the toggle, wall receptacle via the face of
the receptacle
body) during power out conditions and conform to the size and shape of normal
light and
wall receptacles, thus maintaining the normal appearance. However, both have
only one
possible function and importantly, when the batteries require replacement or
the device
has failed and requires replacement, the user must disassembly the unit from
the electrical
box creating a potential safety hazard for the user.
Thus there remains a need for an emergency lighting system that conforms to
the
normal configuration these standard wall receptacles, contain a level of
flexibility to allow
the user to select the desired functions, maintain the full use and capability
of the
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substituted wall receptacle, and is easy and safe for the user. In addition,
as technology
changes and advances, there also is a need to ensure that the state-of-the-art
can be utilized
with minimal user cost or change to the installed system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one
disadvantage of the prior art.
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical
receptacle
for mounting in a wall or receptacle box, the receptacle having an externally
accessible
face. The receptacle comprises an electrical main connection point, an
electrical out, a
cavity and a removable insert. The electrical main connection point connects
the
receptacle to the electrical main. The electrical outlet is connected to the
electrical main
connection point and is set into the externally accessible face. The outlet
has a standard
interface for connecting external loads to the electrical main. The cavity is
set into the
externally accessible face of the electrical outlet, and has a connection to
the electrical
main connection point. The cavity receives inserts and connects them to the
electrical
main. The removable insert is sized for insertion in to the cavity, and
receives power from
the electrical main through the connection to the electrical main connection
point.
In embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, the cavity and
the insert
include cooperating latches for releasably locking the insert into the cavity.
In other
embodiments, the insert includes a battery-powered light activated when power
from the
electrical main is not present. Optionally, the insert includes a battery
charger for charging
the battery connected to the battery powered light when power from the
electrical main is
present. In further embodiments, the insert includes a light activated by a
photosensor. In
other embodiments, the insert includes a current converter, such as a
transformer, and a
socket. The current converter receives power from the electrical main and
converts the
power to a direct-current signal. The socket, which may be a universal serial
bus socket, is
connected to the current converter and provides external access to the direct
current signal.
In other embodiments, the insert can include either a wireless network bridge
or a
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powerline networking bridge connected to an externally accessible network
jack. The
insert can also provide a further outlet, either directly on the face of the
receptacle on
through an extension cord.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrical
receptacle for mounting in a wall or receptacle box, the receptacle having an
externally
accessible face. The receptacle comprises an electrical main connection point,
an electrical
outlet and a cavity. The electrical main connection point connects the
receptacle to the
electrical main. The electrical outlet is connected to the electrical main
connection point
and is set into the externally accessible face. The outlet has a standard
interface for
connecting external loads to the electrical main. The cavity is set into the
externally
accessible face of the electrical outlet, and has a connection to the
electrical main
connection point. The cavity is sized for receiving inserts and connects the
inserts to the
electrical main.
In embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the receptacle
includes a second electrical outlet set into the externally accessible face.
The cavity can be
centrally located between the two electrical outlets on the externally
accessible face. The
cavity can include a latch for interacting with a cooperative element on an
insert to prevent
accidental removal of an inserted insert. The cavity can include a connection
point not
connected to the electrical main connection point, such as a computer network
connection
point. The connection point can alternatively be used to provide an interface
for
controlling the connection of the electrical outlet to the electrical main.
In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an insert, for
insertion
into a cavity in the face an electrical receptacle. The insert comprises
electrical contacts
and a substrate. The electrical contacts connect to the receptacle and draw
electrical
power from an electrical main connected to the receptacle. The substrate
supports the
electrical contacts.
In embodiments of the thirds aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a
latch, connected to the substrate, for mating with a respective latching
system in the cavity
to prevent accidental removal of the insert.
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Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to
those
ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of
specific
embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example
only, with reference to the attached Figures, wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates the assembled wall receptacle and insert according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows the insert of Figure 1 removed from the interface cavity in the
wall
receptacle;
Figure 3 is a representation of an exemplary layout of components on the
insert;
Figure 4 shows a wall receptacle according to an embodiment of the present
invention with the insert removed;
Figure 5 illustrates the floor illumination of an embodiment of the present
invention;
Figure 6 is an illustrative circuit diagram for use in an embodiment of a
power out
lighting insert;
Figure 7 is an exemplary diode-based power out illumination insert circuit
design;
and
Figure 8 is an exemplary night light insert circuit design.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention is directed to a configurable receptacle, which can be
configured with a variety of function specific inserts such as safety lights
and motion
detectors.
Reference is made below to specific elements, numbered in accordance with the
attached figures. The discussion below should be taken to be exemplary in
nature, and not
as limiting of the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present
invention is
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defined in the claims, and should not be considered as limited by the
implementation
details described below, which as one skilled in the art will appreciate, can
be modified by
replacing elements with equivalent functional elements.
Systems of the present invention provide a mechanism for making use of
standard
building wiring to provide additional functionality including emergency
lighting. In one
embodiment of the present invention, a modification to the design of an
electrical
receptacle is provided. This redesign allows for an insert to be placed into a
cavity in the
receptacle body. A standard electrical receptacle provides two outlets. When
installed in
a receptacle box, the receptacle is typically covered by a faceplate. It is
preferable for the
receptacle of the present invention to function with standard receptacle
boxes, and in some
designs faceplates.
As illustrated in Figure 1, receptacle body 100 has been modified to accept
insert
200. The receptacle body 100 provides two outlets in what is referred to as a
decora-style
configuration. In this configuration, the outlets are vertically spaced from
each other, and a
faceplate serves to surround the central structure that houses the outlets. In
such a
configuration, insert 200 is placed into a cavity between the two outlets. A
decora-style
faceplate can be attached to the receptacle without any modification. This
allows for
compatibility with a large number of existing elements, and allows for easy
retrofitting. A
building can be retrofit to these receptacles with no tools other than a
standard
screwdriver.
Figure 2 provides an exploded view of the receptacle 100 and insert 200.
Insert
200 is inserted into cavity 110 in receptacle 100. As noted above, receptacle
100 can be
accommodated into a standard decora-style faceplate. Insert 200 provides a
physical an
electrical interface for various insert configurations, each of which can
provide alternate
functionality. In the illustrated embodiment, insert 200 provides
illumination, although
alternate inserts can provide other functions such as chargers for different
connection,
additional outlet, smoke detectors, and other functions that will be apparent
to those
skilled in the art. Insert 200 includes a printed circuit board 210 that
houses the control
circuitry and elements for the intended functionality. Faceplate 220 provides
a cover that
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preferably matches with surface of the receptacle. On the faceplate is
provided a light 230,
preferably a light emitting diode (LED), and a test switch 240 which can be
used to
determine if the insert is functional.
As shown in Figure 3, PCB 210 includes contacts 211 that are connected to the
electrical main that the outlets of the receptacle are connected to. This
provides PCB 210,
and any circuitry thereupon, with power. As illustrated in Figure 3,
embodiments of the
present invention can provide a battery 212 on the PCB 210. Battery 212 is
used to
provide LED 230 with power during blackout situations. Contacts 211 provide a
mechanism for connection to the 120VAC once the insert 200 is fully inserted
in the
receptacle body 100. Although reference is made herein to 120VAC as a source,
it will be
understood that other power standards can be used with suitable modifications
to electrical
designs on the inserts. The assembled insert 200 is held into the receptacle
body 100 by
mounting mechanisms such as plastic latches 221 on the insert cover plate 220.
These
latches provide the necessary protection from accidental removal and child
protection as
the removal of this embodiment of the present invention requires a small
screwdriver or
specialized tool on both the left and right side of the insert cover plate 220
to unlock the
latches 221 for removal. Note that dependent on the insert function, all or a
portion of
these elements may be present.
As shown in Figure 4, the receptacle body 100 provides the insert cavity 110
and
the nominal wall receptacle interfaces for normal 120VAC power via the
receptacle plugs
102 and installation screw terminals 101.
For illumination-based inserts, a high intensity LED 230 provides floor
illumination 300 as indicated in Figure 5. Although this does may not provide
the same
degree of illumination as a dedicated emergency blackout light, a large number
of
distributed lights can be employed. This provides a distributed lighting in a
room as
opposed to a large centralized point source of light. If light 230 makes use
of LEDs, as
illustrated in the embodiments, the power-on time provided by the battery can
exceed the
time provided by a conventional battery backup light that makes use of halogen
or
standard incandescent lighting.
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Below, exemplary designs for functional inserts are provided. One skilled in
the
art will appreciate that alternate designs are possible, as are designs for
functions not
described herein.
Figure 6 iIlustrates a relay-based schematic for illumination during power out
conditions. In operation, the design presented obtains a low power rectified
signal from
the 120VAC main voltage. Note that for 220-240AC, C2 is decreased in half.
Connection
to the receptacle is provided by contacts AC 1 and AC2. The rectified voltage
powers a
relay such that the NO contact is engaged which disconnects the battery from
the LED.
When power is removed (i.e. a power black-out) the relay triggers the NC
contact and the
LED illuminates for as long as power is off or until the battery is drained
(>60 hours). At
any time, the LED and battery can be tested via an external push button.
Higher
illumination intensity can be achieved by reducing Rl - note this would reduce
the total
illumination time. In an alternate embodiment, a rechargeable battery can be
used and can
be charged during non-blackout periods.
Figure 7 illustrates an exemplary diode biased based schematic for
illumination
during power out conditions. While performing the same emergency lighting
function, the
relay has been removed and a passive voltage difference is used to enable or
disable the
LED light. In operation, a low power rectified signal is obtained from the
120VAC main
voltage. Note that for 220-240AC, C2 is decreased in half. This rectified
voltage generates
a potential between R3 and R1 that is higher than the battery voltage (3V).
This creates a
reverse bias state in diodes D3 and Dl. In this reverse bias state, current
cannot flow from
the battery to the LED. When power is removed (i.e. power black-out) the
higher voltage
potential is removed, power can flow from the battery, and the LED illuminates
for as long
as power is off or until the battery is drained (>60 hours). At any time, the
LED and
battery can be tested via an external push button. Higher illumination
intensity can be
achieved by reducing Rl - note this would reduce the total illumination time.
Figure 8 illustrates a Night Light insert. In operation, the design presented
obtains
a low power rectified signal from the 120VAC main voltage. Note that for 220-
240AC, C2
is decreased in half. The 6.3V rectified voltage is used to power the circuit
and drive the
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LED's. The R1/R3 voltage divider generates a input to the Voltage Comparator.
The
photoconductive cell has an impedance of 1M in the dark and 45K in the light.
Internal to
the voltage comparator is a 1.24Vref, so during the day (i.e. lighted
conditions) the input
voltage to the comparator would be between 3.0 and 2.OV. Once the light is
sufficiently
reduced, the impedance of R1 is decreased, the voltage input drops below 1.24V
the
LED's illuminate. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the
photoconductive cell act as
a photosensor to determine ambient light levels. When a threshold is crossed,
the
photosensor activates or deactivates the light as required. Numerous other
implementations will be understood by those skilled in the art.
Other, non-illustrated inserts are contemplated. As the insert provides a
mechanism
for drawing power from the 120VAC main, a number of different inserts can be
provided.
Rechargeable devices, such as cellular phones, can provide inserts that allow
charging
without occupying an outlet. Many devices now draw power for charging from a
standard
Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. Typically a Type A connector to a
computer or to
a power converter is used to connect to a device. A current converter insert
that
transforms the AC current to a DC current and provides a USB connection can be
provided to allow for charging devices such as cellular phones, cameras,
portable music
players and other electronic devices. The current converter be implemented
using any of a
number of standard devices including transformers, rectifiers and other
devices that will be
well known to those skilled in the art.
Computer network connections can be provided in inserts. Additional contacts
can
be provided so that computer networking cabling can be connected to the
receptacle and
accessed through the insert. Alternatively, power-line networking connections
can be
provided using industry standard interfaces. Such a design provides network
connectivity
to any location that a computer would need to be plugged in to an outlet. In
an alternate
embodiment, a network jack can be provided. To connect to a network, a
wireless
transceiver can be employed, and powered from the contacts connecting to the
electrical
main. The wireless connection can be any of a number of standard connections,
such as
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any of the IEEE802.11 family of standards, or even using a wide area
networking standard
such as WiMax. Alternatively, a proprietary networking standard can be
provided.
Although reference has been shown to providing only two contacts, in view of
the
above discussion multiple contacts can be provided for any number of reasons.
One
skilled in the art wiIl appreciate that a third contact to the electrical main
can be provided
to offer grounded connections. This allows the insert to connect to a cable
that provides
further outlets. Thus, a receptacle can provide standard outlets, and through
the use of the
insert can provide further outlets.
In an alternate embodiment, the receptacle provides a single outlet, and
provides at
least one insert connection point. Thus, in the shape of a conventional
outlet, and allowing
compatibility with a standard receptacle, a single outlet can be provided with
multiple
inserts.
Further insert designs for motion detectors, security system sensors, smoke
detectors, radon detectors, noxious gas detectors such as carbon dioxide
detectors, carbon
monoxide detectors and natural gas detectors, have been contemplated and can
be
implemented by those skilled in the art by placing standard designs for these
system on an
insert and drawing electrical power from the power main.
The additional contacts can be employed for any number of uses. In one
embodiment, the extra connectors allow a timer insert to control the
availability of the
outlets in accordance with a predefined schedule. A receptacle can make use of
logic
circuitry to identify the insert using a set of contacts, and then handle the
signals from the
contacts appropriately. This allows a single set of contacts to be used for
both outlet
control, such as with a timer insert, and for other purposes such as
networlcing, or other
communications activities.
One skiIled in the art will appreciate that the present invention provides not
only
for designs of inserts, but also for receptacles that accept such inserts. By
providing power
to an insert in a receptacle, a variety of components can be distributed
through a
commercial or residential environment. Because they do not require external
access to a
power supply, they provide a simpler and more pleasing installation. Thus,
motion
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detectors can be installed and powered off the connection, and can be
connected to
security systems. Because installation of these receptacles can be done during
construction, or as a retrofit, data connections to systems such as security
systems can be
provided using either a wired or wireless connection. Power line communication
can also
be employed.
Inserts can be provided with processors and communications interfaces so that
a
set of co-located inserts can communicate and provide functionality based on
conditions at
a number of different inserts.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to be
examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to
the particular
embodiments by those of skiIl in the art without departing from the scope of
the invention,
which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.
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