A Plug-In Bar
A plug-in bar with add on sections, to do the job of electrical molding. You would plug it in and anchor it flat to the wall to “install” new outlets.
By R.H. Morgan, Towaco, N.J.
January 1963
Not quite the same, but you can purchase a 12 outlet extension lead from Amazon! (affiliate link)
The Humble “Plug-In Bar”: A Vision for Effortless Power
Back in January 1963, R.H. Morgan from Towaco, N.J., envisioned a simple yet revolutionary product: a plug-in bar designed to act as a sleek, integrated electrical molding. The idea was revolutionary for its time. Instead of bulky extension cords or complex installations, this ‘bar’ would plug directly into an existing outlet. Once anchored flat against a wall, it would effectively create new, accessible outlets, seamlessly blending power access with home decor. Think of it as a modular power strip that becomes part of the wall itself!
While Morgan’s exact product might not be a common sight today, the underlying need it addressed – flexible and accessible power – is more relevant than ever. In an era where our devices are constantly multiplying, the struggle to find enough outlets is a universal pain point.
Why This Concept Still Resonates Today
The genius of the plug-in bar lies in its elegant simplicity and its adherence to core innovation principles. It focused on solving a specific user problem (lack of convenient power outlets) with a user-centric design that prioritized ease of installation and aesthetics. This is a fantastic example of how focusing on user needs can drive ingenious solutions, much like how early pioneers utilized technologies like The Printing Press’s Role in the Renaissance to disseminate information more effectively.
Modern Applications and Expanding the Vision
Let’s fast forward and imagine how this concept could be realized and enhanced with today’s technology:
- Smart Home Integration: Imagine a plug-in bar that not only provides power but also integrates smart home capabilities. Each outlet could be individually controllable via an app, allowing you to schedule power, monitor energy usage, and even set up automated routines.
- Modular Design: Instead of a single bar, envision a system of interlocking modules. Need more outlets? Just snap on another section. This modularity caters to diverse needs, from a minimalist desk setup to a busy home entertainment center. This resonates with the principles of Circular Economy Design Principles, focusing on adaptability and longevity.
- Wireless Charging Hubs: Integrate Qi wireless charging pads directly into the bar’s surface, creating a seamless charging zone for smartphones and other compatible devices without any extra cables.
- Data and Connectivity: Why stop at power? Imagine modules that offer built-in USB ports, Ethernet connections, or even Wi-Fi extenders, turning a simple power solution into a connectivity hub. This echoes the evolution seen in AI-Powered Industrial Design, where functionality and integration are paramount.
- Aesthetics and Customization: Offer interchangeable faceplates in various materials and colors (wood grain, brushed metal, matte finishes) to match any interior design.
The Innovation Toolkit Behind the Concept
The creation of something like the plug-in bar isn’t just luck; it’s the result of applying proven innovation methodologies. This idea could have been born from:
- Deconstructing the Problem: Morgan likely started by Deconstructing Problems for Innovation, breaking down the need for ‘more outlets’ into its core components: accessibility, installation, safety, and aesthetics.
- First Principles Thinking: By applying Breaking Down Complex Problems with First Principles, he stripped away conventional solutions (like complex wiring) to focus on fundamental needs.
- TRIZ for Idea Generation: The concept might have emerged from using tools like TRIZ for Idea Generation, looking for inventive principles to solve contradictions (e.g., needing many outlets vs. limited wall space).
- SCAMPER: He might have mentally applied SCAMPER for Problem Solving to existing outlets – Substitute the wiring for a plug? Combine outlets into one unit? Adapt it to be flush with the wall?
- JTBD for Service Design: From a ‘Jobs To Be Done’ perspective, the ‘job’ is ‘make powering devices easy and unobtrusive.’ The plug-in bar is a direct solution to that job. This is a key aspect of effective JTBD for Service Design.
Bringing the Vision to Market: Agile and Lean Approaches
If R.H. Morgan were developing the plug-in bar today, he wouldn’t just rely on a single ‘aha!’ moment. He’d likely employ modern development strategies. Think about adopting Lean Startup Principles for Disruptive Innovation. This means building a minimum viable product (MVP) – perhaps a basic, safe prototype – and getting it in front of potential users quickly to gather feedback.
He could use Agile project management for creative teams or the specific framework of Scrum for Innovation Teams. This allows for iterative development, where the product evolves based on continuous feedback and testing. Regular co-creation workshops for new product development would also be invaluable, bringing potential customers into the design process. This ensures the final product truly meets market needs, embodying the spirit of Engaging Innovators in Project Development.
Navigating the Risks and Rewards
Of course, any innovation comes with risks. For an idea like the plug-in bar, key considerations would include:
- Safety and Regulations: Electrical products are heavily regulated. Ensuring compliance with all safety standards (like UL certification in the US) is non-negotiable.
- Market Acceptance: Would consumers trust a novel electrical product integrated into their walls? Overcoming this hurdle requires clear communication, strong branding, and perhaps excellent High-Fidelity Prototyping to demonstrate safety and ease of use.
- Manufacturing Costs: Scalable production needs to be cost-effective. This is where understanding Venture Capital for Tech Innovation or securing alternative funding through Angel Investor Networks becomes crucial.
- Competition: The market for power solutions is crowded. Differentiation through unique features, superior design, or integrated smart technology would be key.
Understanding and Measuring Personal Risk Tolerance for Creative Projects is vital for any entrepreneur. A balance needs to be struck between bold innovation and pragmatic execution.
The Enduring Power of Simple Ideas
While R.H. Morgan’s original patent may be a relic of the past, the core idea of the plug-in bar remains a testament to the power of simple, user-focused innovation. It reminds us that even in areas that seem mundane, like electrical outlets, there’s always room for creative solutions. Whether it’s through hardware innovation, smart technology integration, or a novel approach to design, the spirit of the plug-in bar lives on. We see its legacy in how we approach problem-solving, using tools like Generative AI for Storytelling or exploring new avenues with Generative Music Composition Tools – it’s all about finding better, more elegant ways to meet human needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could this plug-in bar concept be a safety hazard?
Any electrical product needs to meet stringent safety standards. For a product like the plug-in bar, rigorous testing for heat, short circuits, and proper grounding would be paramount. Adherence to [UL certification standards](https://ul.com/) in the US is a must. Modern designs would likely incorporate advanced safety features beyond what was available in 1963, like surge protection and individual outlet circuit breakers.
Is this idea still relevant given wireless charging and battery technology?
Absolutely! While wireless charging is growing, most high-demand devices (laptops, power tools, gaming consoles) still rely on wired connections. Furthermore, the concept can be expanded to include USB-C PD ports for fast charging, data transfer capabilities, and even integrated Wi-Fi extenders. The need for accessible, distributed power is unlikely to disappear anytime soon, especially with the increasing number of connected devices. It’s a classic case of understanding the core need, which transcends specific technologies, much like how Boosting Creative Problem Solving by Minimizing Confirmation Bias helps us see beyond current limitations.
How would this differ from a standard power strip or surge protector?
The key difference is integration and aesthetics. A standard power strip is a visible, often temporary solution. The plug-in bar, as envisioned, is designed to be a semi-permanent, wall-integrated component, offering a cleaner look and potentially more convenient placement than a strip that lies on the floor or hangs behind furniture. Think of it as turning your wall molding into a power source. Advanced versions could also incorporate features like Innovation Knowledge Capture within the device itself, perhaps logging usage patterns for smart home analysis.
By R.H. Morgan, Towaco, N.J.
January 1963
*(Note: The original article included an affiliate link to a multi-outlet extension lead on Amazon. This has been kept for context, though the primary focus is on the conceptual innovation.)*
