Power adapters adapted to receive a module and methods of implementing power adapters with modules
A power adapter configured to apply power to a device is disclosed. The power adapter comprises a contact element configured to receive power; a first outlet configured to receive the power and adapted to provide the power to the device; a recess for receiving a module that is removably coupled to the power adapter, wherein the module is adapted to generate control signals; and a control circuit coupled to the recess; wherein the control circuit controls the application of the power to the first outlet in response to the control signals.
1. An in-wall power adapter configured to apply power to a device, the in-wall power adapter comprising:
a first contact element of a first plurality of contact elements configured to receive power;
a first outlet adapted to receive prongs of a plug, wherein the first outlet is configured to receive power from the first contact element and adapted to provide power to a device; and
a recess of the in-wall power adapter having a second plurality of contact elements, wherein a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is coupled to receive power from the first contact element;
wherein the recess is adapted to receive a module having a third plurality of contact elements adapted to be coupled to the second plurality of contact elements; and
wherein power is applied to the first outlet when a module is not in the recess.
2. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 further comprising an attachment element for retaining a module in the recess of the in-wall power adapter.
3. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a module, wherein the module comprises a fourth plurality of contact elements having contact elements of a USB connector.
4. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a module, wherein a fourth plurality of contact elements of the module comprises a second outlet for receiving prongs of a plug.
5. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 wherein the second plurality of contact elements in the recess are configured to prevent a finger from coming into contact with a high voltage contact.
6. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a module, wherein the module comprises an attachment element for retaining the module in the recess of the in-wall power adapter.
7. The in-wall power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a first flange extending from a first end of the in-wall power adapter and a second flange extending from a second end of the in-wall power adapter.
8. An in-wall power adapter configured to apply power to a device, the in-wall power adapter comprising:
a first contact element of a first plurality of contact elements configured to receive power;
a first outlet adapted to receive prongs of a plug, wherein the first outlet is configured to receive power and adapted to provide power to a device;
a recess of the in-wall power adapter having a second plurality of contact elements, wherein a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is coupled to receive power from the first contact element; and
a module removably coupled to the recess, wherein the module comprises a third plurality of contact elements configured to be coupled to the second plurality of contact elements in the recess and a second outlet adapted to receive prongs of a plug;
wherein power is provided from first contact to the module; and
wherein power is applied to the first outlet when the module is not in the recess.
9. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8 wherein the module comprises an attachment element for retaining the module in the recess of the in-wall power adapter.
10. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8 further comprising an attachment element for retaining a module in the recess of the in-wall power adapter.
11. The in-wall power adapter of claim 10 wherein the second plurality of contact elements in the recess are configured to prevent a finger from coming into contact with a high voltage contact.
12. The in-wall power adapter of claim 8 wherein the further comprising a first flange extending from a first end of the in-wall power adapter.
13. The in-wall power adapter of claim 12 further comprising a second flange extending from a second end of the in-wall power adapter.
14. A method of applying power to a device, the method comprising:
configuring a first contact element of a first plurality of contact elements of an in-wall power adapter to receive power;
configuring a first outlet of the in-wall power adapter to receive power from the first contact element, wherein the first outlet is adapted to provide power to a device;
receiving a module in a recess of the in-wall power adapter, wherein the module is removably coupled to the in-wall power adapter and the recess comprises a second plurality of contact elements;
coupling a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements to receive power from the first contact element in the recess;
coupling a third plurality of contact elements of the module to the second plurality of contact elements; and
applying the power to the first outlet when the module is not in the recess.
15. The method of claim 14 further comprising providing a power transformer, wherein the module comprises a user interface and receives a low power voltage from the power transformer.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein receiving a module comprises receiving a second outlet.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising retaining the module in the recess using an attachment element of the in-wall power adapter.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein receiving a module comprises coupling a second attachment element of the module to the attachment element of the in-wall power adapter.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein receiving the module comprises receiving a module having a fourth plurality of contact elements.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising wherein the fourth plurality of contact elements comprises contact elements of a USB connector.