Attachment system for a housing cover

Abstract

The present invention relates to an attachment system for a housing cover that secures the housing cover to a housing opening. The attachment system includes an outer insert, an anchor block, and a locking body. The outer insert extends through the housing cover and includes an anchor portion that extends at least partially into the interior of the housing. The anchor block, which includes one or more flexible arms configured to engage an internal structure of the housing, can be secured to the anchor portion of the outer insert. The locking body is rotatably fixed relative to the anchor block and is rotatable between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation from the outer side of the housing cover.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 030,514, entitled "Attachment System for a Housing Cover", filed on May 27, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Statement Regarding Federally Sponsored Research or Development

[0004] Not applicable. Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to an attachment system for a housing cover. Background Art

[0006] The installation and other operations of junction boxes and other housings require the attachment and removal of covers. Covers are typically attached in a semi - permanent manner such that the covers do not include handles and hinges that would allow for the conventional opening and closing of the covers. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing opening of a housing. The attachment system includes an outer insert configured to extend from an outer side of the housing cover through the housing cover to an inner side of the housing cover. The outer insert includes an anchor portion configured to extend at least partially into the inner side of the housing cover. The attachment system further includes an anchor block configured to be fixed to the anchor portion of the outer insert, wherein the anchor block extends on the inner side of the housing cover. The anchor block includes a flexible arm configured to engage an internal structure of the housing. The attachment system further includes a locking body configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the anchor block. The locking body is rotatable between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation from the outer side of the housing cover. In the locked orientation, a protrusion on the locking body prevents the flexible arm from flexing away from the internal structure of the housing to fix the anchor block relative to the housing. In the unlocked orientation, the protrusion is displaced and allows the flexible arm to flex away from the internal structure of the housing to release the anchor block relative to the housing.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment system for a housing having a housing opening and a housing cover. The housing cover includes a first cover opening in a first corner region and a second cover opening in a second corner region. The attachment system includes a first attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the first cover opening and a second attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the second opening. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies includes an outer insert, an anchor, and a locking body. The outer insert has an anchor portion and an outer skirt, the anchor portion being configured to extend through the corresponding cover opening to the inner side of the housing cover, wherein the outer skirt is on the outer side of the housing cover. The anchor block includes a support hole and first and second flexible arms. Each flexible arm includes an engagement portion configured to engage a corresponding internal structure of the housing. The anchor block is configured to slidably engage the anchor portion of the outer insert to be fixed to the anchor portion by the flexible arms on the inner side of the housing cover. The locking body includes first and second locking protrusions and is configured to be rotatably received in the support hole.

[0009] In one embodiment, each locking body is configured to rotate between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the anchor block from the outer side of the housing cover. In the locked orientation, the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion respectively engage the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm to prevent the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm from flexing away from the corresponding internal structure of the housing, and thereby fix the anchor block and the attachment assembly relative to the housing to fix the housing cover on the housing opening. In the unlocked orientation, the first locking protrusion and the second locking protrusion respectively allow the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm to flex away from the internal structure of the housing, thereby releasing the anchor block and the attachment assembly relative to the housing to allow the housing cover to be removed from the housing opening.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method of mounting a housing cover on a housing opening of a housing. The method includes ensuring that each attachment assembly of a plurality of attachment assemblies is in an unlocked orientation, each attachment assembly engaging the housing cover at a corresponding housing opening of the plurality of housing openings. The method further includes orienting the housing cover such that each attachment assembly is aligned with a corresponding corner of the housing opening. The method further includes moving the housing cover to cover the housing opening and thereby causing each of the two flexible arms of each attachment assembly to engage a corresponding internal structure of the housing, wherein the two flexible arms of each attachment assembly engage the corresponding internal structure on opposite sides of a corresponding corner of the housing opening. The method further includes fixing the housing cover at the housing opening by rotating the locking body of each attachment assembly from the outer side of the housing cover to lock the two flexible arms of each attachment assembly in engagement with the corresponding internal structure of the housing.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for installing a housing cover above a housing opening of a housing. The method includes ensuring that each of a plurality of attachment components is in an unlocked orientation, each attachment component engaging the housing cover at a corresponding housing opening among the plurality of housing openings. The method further includes orienting the housing cover such that each attachment component is aligned with a respective side of the housing opening. The method further includes moving the housing cover to cover the housing opening such that a single flexible arm of the attachment component engages a respective internal structure of the housing, the single flexible arm of the attachment component engaging the respective internal structure at one side of the housing opening.

[0012] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing. The attachment system may include an outer insert, an anchor block, and a locking body. The outer insert may be configured to extend from an outer side of the housing cover through the housing cover to an inner side of the housing cover. The anchor block may include a flexible arm configured to engage an internal structure of the housing. The anchor block may be configured to be fixed to an anchor portion of the outer insert on the inner side of the housing cover. The locking body may have a cam member. The locking body may be configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the anchor block and to rotate between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation from the outer side of the housing cover. In the locked orientation, the cam member prevents the flexible arm from flexing away from the internal structure of the housing and thus fixes the anchor block relative to the housing. In the unlocked orientation, the cam member allows the flexible arm to flex away from the internal structure of the housing, thus releasing the anchor block relative to the housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include an actuation insert. The actuation insert may be configured to extend through the outer insert, the anchor block, and into the locking body. The actuation insert may be rotated from an exterior of the housing to rotate the anchor block between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a cam member. The cam member may include an engagement portion. The engagement portion may have a protrusion configured to extend into a recess of the flexible arm to provide one or more of a tactile response or an audible response when the locking body reaches the locked orientation.

[0015] In some embodiments, the attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a cam member. The cam member may include first and second engagement portions. The anchor block may include a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm. Each of the first and second engagement portions may be configured to prevent the respective first and second flexible arms from being pushed away from the internal structure of the housing to fix the anchor block relative to the housing when the locking body is in the locked orientation.

[0016] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm. The first and second flexible arms may be arranged to engage an internal structure of the housing on opposite sides of a corner of a housing opening.

[0017] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a first engagement portion. The first engagement portion may include a first lobe of a cam member, and the second engagement portion may include a second lobe of the cam member.

[0018] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include an anchor block and an external insert having an anchor portion. The anchor block and the anchor portion of the external insert together include a track and groove arrangement configured to secure the anchor block to the external insert as the anchor block slides along the inner side of the housing cover.

[0019] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a track and groove arrangement shaped to push an external flange of the external insert toward the housing cover when the anchor block slidably engages with the anchor portion.

[0020] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a first stop on a locking body configured to contact a second stop on the anchor block to prevent the locking body from rotating beyond a locked orientation.

[0021] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include an anchor block having a support hole formed through a collar that rotatably receives the locking body.

[0022] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a flexible arm that includes an end having a first inclined surface configured to, when the locking body is in an unlocked orientation, push the flexible arm away from the internal structure of the housing to flex and cover the housing opening as the housing cover moves toward the housing.

[0023] In some embodiments, an attachment system for securing a housing cover to a housing may include a flexible arm having an end. The end may include a second inclined surface configured to, when the locking body is in an unlocked orientation, push the flexible arm away from the internal structure of the housing to flex and open the housing opening as the housing cover moves away from the housing.

[0024] Some embodiments of the present invention provide an attachment system for a housing having a housing opening and a housing cover, the housing cover including a first cover opening and a second cover opening extending between an inner side and an outer side of the housing cover. The attachment system can include a first attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the first cover opening and a second attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the second cover opening. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies can include an anchor block and a locking body. The anchor block can be configured to be fixed in alignment with a respective one of the first or second cover openings relative to the inner side of the housing cover. The anchor block can include one or more flexible arms configured to engage a respective internal structure of the housing. The locking body can include a cam member. The locking body can be configured to be rotatably fixed to the anchor block. Each locking body can be configured to be accessed from an outer side of the housing through a respective first or partial cover opening to rotate between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the corresponding anchor block. In the locked orientation, the cam member engages the one or more flexible arms to prevent the one or more flexible arms from flexing away from the respective internal structure of the housing, and the one or more flexible arms thereby fix the housing cover to the housing. In the unlocked orientation, the cam member allows the one or more flexible arms to flex away from the respective internal structure of the housing, thereby releasing the housing cover from the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the housing cover can include a first and a second cover opening extending between an inner side and an outer side of the housing cover. The first cover opening can be in a first corner region of the housing cover, and the second cover opening can be in a second corner region of the housing cover. An attachment system can include a first attachment assembly and a second attachment assembly, each attachment assembly having a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm. For each of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly, the first flexible arm is configured to engage the housing at a side of the first or second cover opening different from the second flexible arm to fix the housing cover to the housing.

[0026] In some embodiments, the attachment system can include a first attachment assembly and a second attachment assembly. Each of the first and second attachment assemblies can include an external insert having: an anchor portion configured to extend into the interior of the housing cover at a respective one of the first or second cover openings, and an external flange configured to extend to the exterior of the housing cover at the respective one of the first or second cover openings. The anchor block can be configured to be fixed to the anchor portion to fix the first or second attachment assembly to the housing cover, respectively.

[0027] In some embodiments, the attachment system can include an actuation insert. The actuation insert can be configured to extend through each of the external insert and the anchor block and into a cavity of the locking body. The cavity of the locking body can surround the actuation insert within the housing such that a conductive path is not formed from the outer side of the housing cover to the inner side of the housing cover via the actuation insert.

[0028] Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method for fixing a housing cover to a housing. The method may include ensuring that each of a plurality of attachment components is in an unlocked orientation. Each attachment component may engage with the housing cover at a corresponding one of a plurality of housing openings. The method may include orienting the housing cover such that each attachment component is aligned with a respective corner of the housing. The method may include moving the housing cover toward the housing such that two flexible arms of each attachment component flexibly engage with a respective internal structure of the housing. The two flexible arms of each attachment component may flexibly engage with a corresponding internal structure on an orthogonal side of a respective corner of the housing opening. The method may include fixing the housing cover to the housing by rotating a locking body of each attachment component from the outer side of the housing cover to lock the two flexible arms of the attachment component in locking engagement with the corresponding internal structure of the housing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method for fixing a housing cover to a housing may include moving the housing cover to cover the housing, which causes the ends of the flexible arms to snap past the corresponding internal structure of the housing.

[0030] In some embodiments, a method for fixing a housing cover to a housing may include rotating a locking body of each of a plurality of attachment components from the outer side of the housing cover to release the two flexible arms of each attachment component from locking engagement with the corresponding internal structure of the housing, and moving the housing cover away from the housing opening.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method for fixing a housing cover to a housing may include moving the housing cover away from the housing opening, which causes the ends of the flexible arms to snap past the corresponding internal structure of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a housing including a conventional housing cover.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a partial front perspective view of the housing opening of FIG. 1, including an internal bracket for fixing the housing cover to the housing.

[0034] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a housing cover and an attachment system fixed to a housing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an exploded perspective view of an attachment component of the attachment system.

[0036] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a bottom perspective view of an outer insert of the attachment component.

[0037] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a top perspective view of an outer insert of the attachment component.

[0038] Figure 7 is Figure 4 The upper left perspective view of the anchor block of the attachment assembly of

[0039] Figure 8 is Figure 4 The upper right perspective view of the anchor block of the attachment assembly of

[0040] Figure 9 is Figure 8 The cross-sectional perspective view of the anchor block of the attachment assembly taken along line 9-9 of Figure 4

[0041] Figure 10 is Figure 4 The bottom perspective view of the locking body of the attachment assembly of

[0042] Figure 11 is Figure 4 The cross-sectional bottom view of the locking body of the attachment assembly taken along line 11-11 of Figure 10

[0043] Figure 12 is Figure 4 The plan view of the actuating insert of the attachment assembly of

[0044] Figure 13 is Figure 4 The perspective view of the actuating insert of the attachment assembly of

[0045] Figure 14 is Figure 3 The exploded partial perspective view of the attachment system of

[0046] Figure 15 is Figure 4 The perspective view of the attachment assembly in the unlocked orientation in

[0047] Figure 16 is Figure 4 The perspective view of the attachment assembly in the locked orientation of

[0048] Figure 17 is Figure 16 The cross-sectional perspective view of the attachment assembly taken along line 17-17 of Figure 4

[0049] Figure 18 is Figure 4 The single perspective view of the attachment assembly of viewed from the outside of the housing cover, where the attachment assembly is in the locked orientation.

[0050] Figure 19 is Figure 4 The single plan view of the attachment assembly of viewed from the inside of the housing cover, where the attachment assembly is in the locked orientation. ​

[0051] Figure 20 is a bottom perspective sectional view of an external insert for attaching components according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 21 is Figure 20 a top perspective view of the external insert.

[0053] Figure 22 is a perspective view of an attachment assembly including an insert according to another embodiment of the present invention Figure 20 thereof.

[0054] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the attachment assembly taken along line Figure 22 23-23 of Figure 22 thereof. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] While the technology is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. However, it should be understood that the description of specific embodiments herein is not intended to limit the technology to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "comprising", "including", "having", or variations thereof herein is intended to include the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounted", "connected", "supported", and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and include both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, supporting, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connection or coupling.

[0057] Also as used herein, unless otherwise limited or defined, "rotatably fixed" describes a component that is fixed to another component while still being able to rotate relative to that other component along at least one rotational degree of freedom.

[0058] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the present invention. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the embodiments of the present invention. Thus, the embodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description will be read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like elements in different drawings have the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and they depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] As briefly discussed above, it may be useful to securely attach and selectively remove a cover of an enclosure, such as a junction box, including when the cover does not have a handle, hinge, or other similar hardware. In conventional systems, threaded fasteners may be configured to engage an internal bracket of the enclosure to removably secure the cover to the enclosure. However, these systems may require both hands of a user to install the enclosure cover, with one hand holding the cover and the other hand rotating the threaded fastener. Additionally, these systems may even require multiple workers to collaborate to install the enclosure, with one worker holding the cover in place while another worker installs the threaded fastener. Further, the brackets on the enclosure that receive the threaded fasteners may need to be welded in place to extend into the enclosure opening. This increases the manufacturing cost and time and also partially blocks the associated enclosure opening, thereby somewhat reducing the utility of the enclosure.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention may address these or other problems. For example, some embodiments include an attachment system that is fixed to an enclosure cover and extends partially through the enclosure cover. The attachment system may include a flexible arm that is configured to elastically engage an internal structure of the enclosure. In the case where the flexible arm engages the internal structure, a locking body may then be actuated from the outside of the enclosure to secure the flexible arm and prevent it from accidentally disengaging from the internal structure, thereby securing the enclosure cover to the enclosure. Notably, in some embodiments, the flexible arm of the attachment system may temporarily hold the cover in proper alignment relative to the enclosure opening such that the cover may not need to be held by the user when the locking body is rotated to secure the flexible arm. Thus, some embodiments may allow a single user to attach (or remove) the enclosure cover without additional assistance. Additionally, in some embodiments, the flexible arm of the attachment system may be configured to engage the internal structure of the enclosure rather than an additional bracket. For example, some flexible arms may be configured to engage the inner wall of the enclosure that defines the outer perimeter of the enclosure opening. Thus, some embodiments may allow the enclosure cover to be secured without using brackets that may need to be separately attached to the enclosure or extend into the enclosure opening and thereby reduce the effective area of the opening.

[0061] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a conventional housing 20. The housing 20 includes a housing body 22 and a housing cover 24 which, when connected to the housing body 22, covers a housing opening 28. The housing body 22 includes an internal bracket 30 which may be welded or otherwise secured near each corner of the housing opening 28. The internal bracket 30 extends into the housing opening 28, thereby partially obstructing the housing opening 28. In other words, according to the conventional design shown, the housing 20 does not allow unobstructed access to the interior of the housing body 22 via the housing opening 28.

[0062] The internal bracket 30 includes mounting holes sized and positioned to align with mounting holes in the housing cover 24. During installation of the housing cover 24 onto the housing body 22, the user must align the mounting holes in the housing cover 24 with the mounting holes in the internal bracket 30. After carefully and precisely aligning the housing cover 24 with the housing body, the user may then insert fasteners (e.g., threaded fasteners) at each corner of the housing cover 24 while holding the housing cover 24 steadily in place. The fasteners extend from the exterior of the housing 20, through each mounting hole of the housing cover 24 and the internal bracket 30, and toward the interior of the housing body, thereby securing the housing cover 24 relative to the housing body 22. As described above, the necessary steps for installing the housing cover 24 for the housing 20 can be cumbersome and sometimes require multiple users to perform effectively.

[0063] Figure 3 An attachment system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The attachment system 100 can be used to removably secure a housing cover 104 to a housing opening 108 of a housing (not fully shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing cover 104 is configured as a removable cover. However, in other embodiments, a housing cover equipped with the attachment system 100 can include a door, a panel (e.g., as Figure 3 shown), or any other cover for an opening in a housing. Additionally, some covers for housing openings, such as doors, can be secured to the housing partially by the attachment system 100 and partially by other components (e.g., hinges).

[0064] The attachment system 100 provides a self - centering method for attaching the housing cover 104 to the housing opening 108 such that the housing cover 104 requires less precise alignment when compared to the housing cover 14 of the prior - art housing 10 as described above. Additionally, the attachment system 100 eliminates the need for obstructive connection components disposed on the closure device body, such as the internal bracket 30 (see FIG. 2) described above. As a result, there is unobstructed access to the interior of the housing via the housing opening 108. Further, the attachment system 100 enables one - hand (and single - user) installation by allowing the user to snap - fit the housing cover 104 to the housing body via the attachment system 100 before adjusting the attachment system 100 to a locked orientation.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiment, the attachment system 100 for the housing cover 104 includes four attachment assemblies 120. However, other configurations are possible. For example, in some configurations, the housing cover may be equipped with only two attachment assemblies, one at each of two diagonally - opposite corners. In some embodiments, the housing cover may include two attachment assemblies disposed at each of two top (or other) corners of the housing cover. Additionally, in some embodiments, the attachment assemblies may be arranged along the edge of the housing cover. For example, the housing cover may include six attachment assemblies, with four attachment assemblies disposed at each corner and two along two sides of the housing cover (e.g., two longest opposite sides). Configurations including the various attachment assemblies shown and discussed additionally above may similarly achieve self - centering and one - hand (and single - user) installation operations. Figure 3 The configurations including the various attachment assemblies shown and discussed above can similarly achieve self - centering and one - hand (and single - user) installation operations.

[0066] Now referring Figure 4 , the attachment assembly 120 includes an anchor block 124, a locking body 128, an outer insert 132, and an actuating insert 136. The attachment assembly 120 also includes a sealing washer 140 and an O - ring 144. The sealing washer 140 is configured to engage the housing cover 104 and the outer insert 132, and the O - ring 144 is configured to create a seal between the outer insert 132 and the actuating insert 136. Thus, in some configurations, the attachment assembly 120 can be used with a leak - proof housing.

[0067] In one embodiment, each of the anchor block 124, the locking body 128, and the outer insert 132 includes a composite material, and the actuating insert 136 is metal, but it is also possible to use other materials or combinations of materials. Generally, the choice of metal material for the actuating insert 136 can provide durability, but other materials are possible. For example, all components of the attachment assembly 120 including the actuating insert 136 can include composite materials. Using composite materials can prevent the formation of an electrical conduction path between the interior and the exterior of the housing via the attachment system 100 and can thus help protect against accidental shocks.

[0068] As Figure 5 and 6 shown, the outer insert 132 includes an anchor portion 148 that is configured to extend at least partially from the outer side of the housing cover 104 to the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104 (e.g., via a hole through the housing cover 104 having a similar geometry). The outer insert 132 also includes an outer flange 156 that is configured to be seated against the outer side of the housing cover 104 (e.g., to form a seal via an intermediate gasket 140, as Figure 4 shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the outer flange 156 is a circular outer skirt that extends completely around the opening 160 in the housing cover 104 (e.g., see Figure 14 ). In other embodiments, the outer flange 156 can be other shapes, such as square, and is not limited to a circular configuration. The anchor portion 148 includes a part of a track and groove device 164 (see Figure 17 ) that is configured to secure the anchor block 124 to the outer insert 132 when the anchor block 124 slides along the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the track and groove device 164 includes a set of grooves 164A that are configured to receive corresponding tracks of the anchor block 124, as further described below. However, in other embodiments, the reverse (or other) configuration is possible.

[0069] The outer insert 132 also includes an opening 168 that extends axially therethrough and is sized to receive the actuating insert 136 (see Figure 4 ). Additionally, the outer insert 132 includes an indicator 172A disposed in the outer surface of the outer flange 156. As shown, the indicator 172A is configured as a triangular protrusion that projects from the outer flange 156. In use, the indicator 172A is configured to align with an indicator 172B on the actuating insert 136 when the attachment assembly 120 is in a locked orientation (e.g., see Figure 12 and 13 ). Although the indicator 172A is illustrated as a triangular protrusion, other features and markings are possible. For example, the indicator 172A can be one or more of a protrusion, a depression, and any of a variety of shaped markings. In other embodiments, indicators on the outer insert 132 or the actuating insert 136 can be used to indicate when the attachment assembly is in an unlocked orientation.

[0070] The anchor block 124 is configured to be secured to the anchor portion 148 of the outer insert 132, and the anchor block 124 extends on the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104. As Figures 7 - 9 shown, the anchor block 124 generally includes at least one flexible arm 176 that is configured to engage the internal structure 180 of the housing. As Figure 7 and 8As shown, the anchor block 124 includes a plurality of flexible arms 176 configured to engage a plurality of different internal structures of the housing (or multiple portions of a single internal structure, such as Figure 3 the internal structure 180). The flexible arms 176 include recesses 184 that can provide a tactile or audible response when engaged with the locking body 128, as will be described in more detail below.

[0071] The flexible arms 176 also include ends having a first inclined surface 188 and a second inclined surface 192. The first inclined surface 188 is configured to urge the flexible arm 176 to flex away from the internal structure 180 of the housing when the housing cover 104 moves toward the housing while the attachment assembly 120 is in the unlocked orientation. The second inclined surface 192 is configured to urge the flexible arm 176 to flex away from the internal structure 180 when the housing cover 104 moves away from the housing while the attachment assembly 120 is in the unlocked orientation. Each of the first inclined surface 188 and the second inclined surface 192 allows the housing cover 104 to snap into and out of the housing opening 108, which enables one-handed installation, as described above.

[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined surface 188 presents a smaller angle than the second inclined surface 192 relative to the direction in which the anchor portion 148 is inserted into the housing opening. Thus, during installation of the housing cover 104 onto the housing, the flexible arms 176 can deflect away from engagement with the internal structure more easily than during removal of the housing cover 104 from the housing. However, in other embodiments, other configurations are possible. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the first inclined surface 188 and the second inclined surface 192 are generally planar. In some embodiments, this can result in particularly optimized engagement and installation. However, in other embodiments, the inclined surfaces can be compound planar surfaces, curved surfaces, compound curved surfaces, or various combinations thereof.

[0073] The anchor block 124 also includes a portion of a track and groove device that includes a groove 164A of the outer insert 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the track and groove device includes a track 164B that can engage the groove 164A, but the reverse (or other) configuration is also possible. In particular, the track 164B extends within a blind opening of the anchor block 124 such that the track 164B is only accessible from one side of the anchor block 124. Thus, when the track and groove device engages, i.e., when the groove 164A slidably receives the track 164B, the opposing walls of the blind hole can provide a backstop for the outer insert 132. Thus, for example, the attachment assembly 120 can be mounted on the housing cover 104 without the anchor block 124 sliding too far, i.e., out of effective alignment. In some embodiments, a mechanical pawl or other device can be provided to further fix the track and groove device or other attachment mechanism in proper engagement alignment.

[0074] AsFigures 7 - 9 Further shown, the anchor block 124 further includes a support hole 196 that extends through the collar 198. The collar 198 extends from the anchor block 124 such that each flexible arm 176 is separated from and spaced apart from the collar 198 (see also Figure 17 ). The support hole 196 is configured to rotatably receive the locking body 128 (see also Figure 15 ). As Figure 10 shown, the locking body 128 includes a first stop 200 that is configured to contact a second stop 204 within the support hole 196 of the collar 198 (see Figure 9 ). In use, when the first stop 200 engages the second stop 204, rotation of the locking body 128 beyond the locked orientation is prevented. The support hole 196 defines an opening that extends through the anchor block 124, and the opening is configured to align with an opening 168 through the outer insert 132 (see Figure 5 and 6 ). In use, as Figure 17 shown, the actuating insert 136 can extend through the opening (e.g., the support hole 196) of the anchor block 124 and the opening 168 of the outer insert 132.

[0075] Now referring to Figure 10 and 11 , a locking body 128 according to one embodiment is shown. The locking body 128 is generally configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the anchor block 124 such that the locking body 128 can be rotated between an unlocked orientation and a locked orientation from the outside of the housing cover 104, and vice versa. The locking body 128 includes a cavity 206 that is configured to receive the actuating insert 136. The cavity 206 further includes a protrusion 207 that is configured to engage and fix the actuating insert 136 within the cavity 206.

[0076] As shown, the locking body 128 includes a cam member 208. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam member 208 defines a generally leaf-shaped geometry and includes first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B that are configured to selectively engage the flexible arms 176 depending on the orientation of the locking body 128. The first engagement portion 208A further includes a protrusion 212 extending therefrom. The protrusion 212 is configured to engage a recess 184 on the flexible arm 176 (e.g., see Figure 7 ) to provide a tactile or audible response when the locking body 128 reaches the locked orientation, as Figure 16 and 17As shown. In other embodiments, the flexible arm may include a protrusion, and one of the first or second protrusions on the locking body may include a corresponding recess to provide a similar tactile or audible response. As described above, the locking body 128 also includes a first stop 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stop 200 is generally radially aligned with the second engagement portion 208B of the cam member 208 such that once the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B have engaged their respective flexible arms 176, the first stop 200 prevents the locking body 128 from rotating past the locked orientation.

[0077] Figure 12 and 13 FIG. shows an actuation insert 136 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 14 and 17 shown, for example, the actuation insert 136 is configured to extend from the outside of the housing cover 104, through the outer insert 132, to engage the locking body 128. The actuation insert 136 is also configured to be rotatable from the outside of the housing cover 104 and to rotate the anchor block 124 between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation insert 136 includes a flat portion 214 disposed along the axis. The flat portion 214 includes a plurality of ribs 216 that are configured to engage the inner surface of the cavity 206 of the locking body 128 that includes protrusions 207 (see Figure 11 ). The flat portion 214 and the ribs 216 also provide a mating surface to rotate the anchor block 124 as the actuation insert 136 rotates.

[0078] In some embodiments, the shaft of the actuation insert 136 also includes a recess 138 disposed at one end of the actuation insert 136. The recess 138 may be configured to engage a protrusion formed on the inner surface of the cavity 206 of the locking body 128 to form an interference fit with the locking body 128, thereby fixing the attachment assembly 120 to the housing cover 104 (e.g., see Figure 17 ). In some embodiments, other arrangements may be used to allow the actuation insert to rotate the locking body, including grooves on the actuation insert and ribs or other complementary structures on the locking body.

[0079] In one embodiment, the actuating insert 136 also includes a head having a channel 220 arranged similarly to a crosshead screw. In other embodiments, the actuating insert 136 may include other features that allow a user to rotate the actuating insert 136, such as, for example, a single channel configured to receive a flat blade driver, or protruding wings or other features for tool - free engagement. As shown and described above, the actuating insert 136 also includes an indicator 172B that is configured to align with an indicator 172A on the outer insert 132 to provide an indication of when the attachment assembly 120 is in a locked orientation. In one embodiment, the indicator 172B is configured as an elongate portion of the channel 220. However, other configurations are possible. Any number of indicators may be used, such as markings, indentations, ridges, etc.

[0080] As Figure 14 shown, the attachment assembly 120 is configured to be mounted on the housing cover 104 via an opening 160. The opening 160 is sized to receive a portion of the outer insert 132 such that the anchor 148 extends from the outer side of the housing cover 104 through the opening 160 to the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104. In particular, the opening 160 is shown as a square opening that receives the square profile of the anchor 148. This non - circular profile may help prevent the inadvertent rotation of the outer insert 132, but other configurations are possible.

[0081] During the installation of the attachment system 100 onto the housing cover 104, the sealing washer 140 is placed around the outer side of the anchor 148 such that when the anchor 148 extends through the opening 160, the sealing washer 140 provides a seal between the outer insert 132 and the outer side of the housing cover 104. Additionally, an O - ring 144 is placed on the inner side of the outer insert 132 within the anchor 148 such that when the actuating insert 136 is inserted through the opening 168 of the outer insert 132 (see Figure 5 ), the O - ring 144 forms a seal between the actuating insert 136 and the outer insert 132.

[0082] As described above, the anchor 148 and the anchor block 124 of the outer insert 132 together include a track and groove arrangement 164 that is configured to secure the anchor block 124 to the outer insert 132 as the anchor block 124 slides along the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104. In some embodiments, the track and groove arrangement may be shaped to push the outer insert towards the outer side of the housing cover and, at the same time, push the anchor block towards the inner side of the housing cover as the track and groove arrangement moves into an engaged configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the end of the track 164B on the anchor block 124 (e.g., see Figure 9 ) is angled such that the track 164B engages the slot 164A (e.g., see Figure 5), such that when the anchor block 124 slides along the inner side 152 of the housing cover 104 to engage with the outer insert 132, the outer flange 156 of the outer insert 132 is pushed towards the housing cover 104.

[0083] Figure 15 An example of the attachment assembly 120 in the unlocked orientation is shown. As shown, the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B of the locking body 128 generally extend away from and do not engage the flexible arms 176 of the anchor block 124. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B rotates approximately 180° without aligning with a corresponding one of the flexible arms 176, but other rotational angles of the locking body 128 relative to the collar 198 are possible and correspond to the unlocked orientation. For example, in some embodiments, the actuation insert 136 can be rotated less than (or greater than) 180° to move the attachment assembly 120 between the locked and unlocked orientations. Since the flexible arms 176 are not engaged (or at least not fully engaged) by the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B in the unlocked orientation, the flexible arms 176 are allowed to flex away from the internal structure 180 of the housing during attachment or removal of the housing cover 104 to release the anchor block 124 from the housing body and thereby release the attachment assembly 120.

[0084] Figures 16 - 19 An attachment assembly 120 in the locked orientation is shown, which corresponds to Figure 3 the orientation of each attachment assembly 120 in Figure 3 In the locked orientation, the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B of the locking body 128 engage the flexible arms 176 of the anchor block 124. As a result, the flexible arms 176 are fixed to prevent flexing out of engagement with the internal structure 180 of the housing, as

[0085] shown, and thus, when the attachment assembly 120 is in the locked orientation, the flexible arms 176 rigidly engage the internal structure 180 to secure the housing cover 104 to the housing opening 108.

[0085] As Figure 17 shown, as described above, when assembling the attachment assembly 120, the actuation insert 136 extends through each of the outer insert 132 and the anchor block 124 and into the cavity 206 of the locking body 128. Additionally, the locking body 128 extends into the support hole 196 of the collar 198, and the cam member 208 is outside the support hole 196 to engage the flexible arms 176 at each of the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B. In some embodiments, the axial height of the cam member 208 can be increased to increase the contact surface area between each of the first and second engagement portions 208A, 208B and their corresponding flexible arms 176 (see, for example, Figure 22 and 23 ).

[0086] In addition, as Figure 19 shown, when the attachment assembly 120 is in the locked orientation, the protrusion 212 of the first engagement portion 208A engages the recess 184 of the flexible arm 176, which helps to secure the attachment assembly 120 and prevent it from accidentally (including due to shock and vibration) moving out of the locked orientation. Additionally, as also described above, the protrusion 212 can provide tactile or audible feedback to the user to confirm that the attachment assembly 120 has been placed in the locked orientation.

[0087] In different embodiments, the flexible arm can be configured to engage different internal structures or different locations on a particular internal structure. In some embodiments, it may be useful for multiple attachment assemblies to engage the internal structure (or structures) of the housing at opposite sides of the housing opening. For example, the flexible arm 176 can engage the internal structure 180 at opposite corners of the housing opening 108, as Figure 3 shown, which can not only help to provide a generally secure engagement, but also allow the housing cover 104 to self-align when the housing cover 104 is mounted at the housing opening 108 through the engagement of the flexible arm 176 with the internal structure 180.

[0088] Similarly, in some embodiments, it may be useful for multiple flexible arms of the attachment assembly to engage the internal structure (or structures) on opposite (e.g., orthogonal) sides of the corners of the housing opening. Such a structure is also shown in Figure 3 and in some configurations, such a structure also helps to provide a more secure and self-aligning engagement.

[0089] Additionally, Figure 17 is specifically shown the lack of an electrical conduction path through the attachment assembly 120 due to the composite locking body 128, the anchor block 124, and the outer insert 132 that completely surrounds the metal actuation insert 136. In some embodiments, a similar non-conductive arrangement can be obtained by using non-metallic fasteners to secure the actuation insert to the locking body, such as composite screws that axially extend from the interior of the housing through the locking body 128 to engage the actuation insert.

[0090] Figure 18 and 19 shows other details of the attachment assembly 120 in the locked orientation, for example, Figure 18The alignment of indicator 172A of the outer insert 132 with indicator 172B of the actuating insert 136 is shown to visually indicate to the user that the attachment assembly 120 is in a locked orientation. Specifically, the elongate portion of the channel 220 is aligned with a point of the triangular notch of the outer flange 156, but other configurations are possible. In other embodiments, the elongate channel or other similar feature may be aligned with another visual representation such as a locking symbol to indicate the position to which the actuating insert 136 must be rotated to place the anchor block 124 in a locked orientation.

[0091] Figures 20 - 23 Components of an attachment assembly 320 are shown in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The attachment assembly 320 is generally similar in structure and operation to the attachment assembly 120, and thus the discussion of the attachment assembly 120 generally applies to the attachment assembly 320 and vice versa. However, in some respects, the attachment assembly 320 differs from the attachment assembly 120, as further discussed below.

[0092] Referring Figure 20 and 21 , similar to the attachment assembly 120, the attachment assembly includes an outer insert 332. The outer insert 332 includes an anchor portion 348 that is configured to extend from the outside of the housing cover to the inside of the housing cover (e.g., via a hole of a similar geometry through the housing cover). The outer insert 332 also includes an outer flange 356 that is configured to be disposed against the outside of the housing cover. The anchor portion 348 includes a part of a track and groove device that is configured to secure the anchor block 324 to the outer insert 332 as the anchor block 324 slides along the inside of the housing. The track and groove device includes a set of grooves 364A that are configured to receive a corresponding track 364B of the anchor block 324.

[0093] Although the track and groove device can be robust and easy to install, as described above, in some embodiments, the anchor block can be fixed to the housing cover in other ways. For example, the anchor block can be fixed to the interior of the housing cover by other mechanical engagement with another structure of the outer insert or the attachment assembly or the housing cover. In some cases, the anchor block can be fixed to the interior of the housing cover in alignment with an opening through the housing door (e.g., on or around the housing door), but there is no need for the outer insert or other components to extend through the opening to engage the anchor block. Additionally, in some cases, the anchor block and the outer insert can be effectively combined into a single integral component (e.g., made of an elastomeric polymer) that can be fixed to extend partially (e.g., only partially) into the interior of the housing cover.

[0094] Similar to attachment assembly 120, attachment assembly 320 also includes a sealing gasket 340 and an O-ring 344. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing gasket 340 is fixed to the outer flange 356 around the anchor portion 348 of the outer insert 332 such that when the outer insert 332 is installed in the housing cover, the sealing gasket 340 is disposed between the outer surface of the housing cover and the outer flange 356. In some embodiments, the sealing gasket 340 can be integrally molded with the outer insert 332 by a two-material molding process. In the illustrated embodiment, the O-ring 344 is disposed within the opening 368 of the outer insert 332. Similar to the sealing gasket 340, the O-ring can be integrally molded with the outer insert 332 by a two-material molding process. In some embodiments, other sealing members (or no sealing members) of generally known configurations can also be suitably used.

[0095] Referring Figure 21 , the outer insert 332 also includes an indicator 372. Similar to the outer insert 332, the indicator 372 is disposed at the outer surface of the outer flange 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the indicator 372 is configured as an arrow having locking and unlocking markings. In use, the indicator 372 is configured to align with a corresponding indicator (not shown) on the actuating insert 336 (see Figure 23 ) according to the current state of the attachment assembly 320. For example, when the attachment assembly 320 is in the unlocked orientation, the unlocking symbol of the indicator 372 can be aligned with the indicator on the actuating insert 336, and when the attachment assembly 320 is in the locked orientation, the locking symbol of the indicator 372 can be aligned with the indicator on the actuating insert 336.

[0096] Figure 22 and 23 shows the attachment assembly 320 in the locked orientation. The attachment assembly 320 can be moved between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation (and vice versa) in a manner substantially similar to the attachment assembly 120 (e.g., rotating the actuating insert 336 to rotate the locking body 328 and moving the cam member 408 of the locking body 328 into and out of engagement with the flexible arm 376 of the anchor block 324). In this regard, and similar to the attachment assembly 120, the anchor block 324 of the attachment assembly 320 has a flexible arm 376. One of the flexible arms includes a recess 384 that can provide a tactile or audible response when the protrusion 412 of the engaging portion 408A of the cam member 408 is engaged. Similar to the locking body 128, the locking body 328 also includes a second engaging portion 408B of the cam member 408 that is configured to engage and push outwards another flexible arm 376.

[0097] In the illustrated embodiment, similar to the flexible arm 376 of the anchor block 324, the flexible arm 376 of the anchor block 324 includes a first inclined surface 388 and a second inclined surface 392. The first inclined surface 388 is configured to push the flexible arm 376 to flex away from the internal structure of the housing when the housing cover moves toward the housing while the attachment assembly 320 is in the unlocked orientation. The second inclined surface 392 is configured to push the flexible arm 376 to flex away from the internal structure when the housing cover moves away from the housing while the attachment assembly 320 is in the unlocked orientation. The anchor block 324 further includes a collar 398 having a notch 400 that defines a hole in which the locking body 328 can rotate. In some embodiments, the notch 400 can be configured to facilitate the removal of the locking body 328 from the anchor block 324. For example, when the attachment assembly 320 is in the unlocked orientation, a tool (e.g., a flathead screwdriver) can be inserted into the notch 400 to urge the locking body 328 out of engagement with the anchor block 324.

[0098] In some embodiments, methods embodying aspects of the present invention can be used to utilize or install the devices or systems disclosed herein. Accordingly, a description of a particular feature or capability of a device or system herein is generally intended to inherently include a disclosure of the methods for using such features for their intended purposes and achieving such capabilities. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated or limited, an explicit discussion of any method of using a particular device or system is intended to inherently include a disclosure of the features utilized and capabilities achieved by such device or system as embodiments of the present invention.

[0099] Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention include a method of using an attachment assembly (e.g., attachment assembly 120) as part of an attachment system to secure a housing cover to a housing opening. Generally, before the housing cover can be secured to the housing opening, each (or some) of the attachment assemblies of the attachment system can be placed in an unlocked orientation. Then, the housing cover can be oriented such that each attachment assembly is aligned with a corresponding internal structure of the housing (e.g., a corresponding corner of the housing opening). Then, the housing cover can be moved to cover the housing opening, such that each flexible arm of each attachment assembly engages a corresponding internal structure of the housing.

[0100] When each of the flexible arms engages the internal structure, the contact between the inner surface and the first set of inclined surfaces of the flexible arm can allow the end of the flexible arm to move (e.g., snap) past a portion of the internal structure. Thus, the flexible arm can elastically engage the internal structure to hold the housing cover in place. Then, the housing cover can be secured to the housing opening from the outside of the housing cover by rotating the actuation insert of each attachment assembly, thereby rotating the associated locking body to the locked orientation such that the flexible arms of the anchor block (e.g., at a set of second inclined surfaces) remain firmly engaged with the corresponding internal structures.

[0101] To release the attachment system and remove the housing cover from the housing opening, each actuation insert may be rotated from the outside of the housing cover to place the locking body in an unlocked orientation. In the unlocked orientation, as also described above, the locking body disengages from the corresponding flexible arm such that the flexible arm may flex again to move past the associated internal structure. At this point, as the housing cover is moved away from the housing opening, the second set of inclined surfaces of the flexible arm may contact the internal structure to urge the flexible arm to flex away from the internal structure, thereby substantially disengaging from the housing.

[0102] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments has been provided to enable a person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications to these embodiments can be made, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An attachment system for attaching a housing cover to a housing, the attachment system comprising: an external insert including an anchor portion, the external insert being configured to extend from an outer side of the housing cover through the housing cover to an inner side of the housing cover; an anchor block including flexible arms, the flexible arms being configured to engage an internal structure of the housing, the anchor block being configured to be fixed to the anchor portion of the external insert at the inner side of the housing cover; and a locking body having a cam member, the locking body being configured to be rotatably fixed relative to the anchor block and rotatable from an outer side of the housing cover between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation, in the locked orientation, the cam member preventing the flexible arms from flexing away from the internal structure of the housing and thereby fixing the anchor block relative to the housing; and in the unlocked orientation, the cam member allowing the flexible arms to flex away from the internal structure of the housing and thereby releasing the anchor block relative to the housing.

2. The attachment system according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuation insert configured to extend through the external insert, the anchor block and into the locking body, the actuation insert being rotatable from an outer side of the housing to rotate the anchor block between the locked orientation and the unlocked orientation.

3. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, the cam member includes an engagement portion having a protrusion configured to extend into a recess of the flexible arm to provide one or more of a tactile response or an audible response when the locking body reaches the locked orientation.

4. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, the cam member includes a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, the flexible arm is a first flexible arm, and the anchor block includes a second flexible arm, each of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion being configured to prevent the corresponding first flexible arm and second flexible arm from being pushed away from the internal structure of the housing when the locking body is in the locked orientation to fix the anchor block relative to the housing.

5. The attachment system according to claim 4, wherein, the first flexible arm and the second flexible arm are arranged to engage the internal structure of the housing on opposite sides of a corner of a housing opening.

6. The attachment system according to claim 4, wherein, the first engagement portion includes a first convex corner of the cam member, and the second engagement portion includes a second convex corner of the cam member.

7. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, the anchor block and the anchor portion of the external insert together include a track and groove arrangement configured to fix the anchor block to the external insert when the anchor block slides along the inner side of the housing cover.

8. The attachment system according to claim 7, wherein, the profile of the track and groove arrangement is formed to push an external flange of the external insert towards the housing cover when the anchor block is slidably engaged with the anchor portion.

9. The attachment system according to claim 1, Wherein, the first stop on the locking body is configured to contact the second stop on the anchor block to prevent the locking body from rotating past the locking orientation.

10. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, the anchor block includes a support hole formed through a collar that rotatably receives the locking body.

11. The attachment system according to claim 1, wherein, the flexible arm includes an end having a first inclined surface configured to deflect the flexible arm away from the internal structure of the housing to cover the housing opening when the housing cover is moved toward the housing with the locking body in the unlocked orientation.

12. The attachment system according to claim 11, wherein, the end includes a second inclined surface configured to deflect the flexible arm away from the internal structure of the housing to open the housing opening when the housing cover is moved away from the housing with the locking body in the unlocked orientation.

13. An attachment system for a housing having a housing opening and a housing cover, the housing cover including a first cover opening and a second cover opening extending between an inner side and an outer side of the housing cover, the attachment system comprising: a first attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the first cover opening; and a second attachment assembly configured to engage the housing cover at the second cover opening; each of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly includes: an anchor block configured to be fixed relative to the inner side of the housing cover in alignment with a respective one of the first cover opening or the second cover opening and including one or more flexible arms configured to engage a respective internal structure of the housing; and a locking body including a cam member, the locking body configured to be rotatably fixed to the anchor block; each locking body is configured to be accessed from the outer side of the housing cover through a respective first cover opening or second cover opening to be rotatable between a locked orientation and an unlocked orientation relative to the corresponding anchor block, in the locked orientation, the cam member engages the one or more flexible arms to prevent the one or more flexible arms from deflecting away from the respective internal structure of the housing, whereby the one or more flexible arms fix the housing cover to the housing; and in the unlocked orientation, the cam member allows the one or more flexible arms to deflect away from the respective internal structure of the housing and thereby release the housing cover from the housing.

14. The attachment system according to claim 13, wherein, the first cover opening is located within a first corner region of the housing cover, and the second cover opening is located within a second corner region of the housing cover, wherein the one or more flexible arms for each of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly include a first flexible arm and a second flexible arm respectively; and Wherein, for each of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly, the first flexible arm is configured to engage the housing on a side of the first lid opening or the second lid opening different from the second flexible arm, so as to fix the housing lid to the housing.

15. The attachment system according to claim 13, wherein, each of the first attachment assembly and the second attachment assembly further includes an external insert having an anchor portion and an external flange, the anchor portion being configured to extend into the interior of the housing lid at a corresponding one of the first lid opening or the second lid opening, and the external flange being configured to extend to the outside of the housing lid at the corresponding one of the first lid opening or the second lid opening; and wherein the anchor block is configured to be fixed to the anchor portion to respectively fix the first attachment assembly or the second attachment assembly to the housing lid.

16. The attachment system according to claim 15, wherein, the actuation insert is configured to extend through each of the external insert and the anchor block and extend into the cavity of the locking body, the cavity of the locking body surrounding the actuation insert within the housing, such that an electrical conduction path from the outside of the housing lid to the inside of the housing lid is not formed via the actuation insert.

17. A method of fixing a housing lid to a housing, the method comprising: ensuring that each attachment assembly among a plurality of attachment assemblies is in an unlocked orientation, each attachment assembly among the plurality of attachment assemblies engaging the housing lid at a corresponding housing opening among a plurality of housing openings; orienting the housing lid such that each of the attachment assemblies is aligned with a corresponding corner of the housing; moving the housing lid toward the housing so that two flexible arms of each attachment assembly among the attachment assemblies are flexibly engaged with corresponding internal structures of the housing, wherein the two flexible arms of each attachment assembly among the attachment assemblies are flexibly engaged with the corresponding internal structures on orthogonal sides of a corresponding corner of the housing opening; and fixing the housing lid at the housing by rotating the locking body of each attachment assembly from the outside of the housing lid to fix the two flexible arms of the attachment assembly to be in a locked engagement with the corresponding internal structures of the housing.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, moving the housing lid to cover the housing such that the ends of the flexible arms snap past the corresponding internal structures of the housing.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: rotating the locking body of each attachment assembly from the outside of the housing lid to release the two flexible arms of the attachment assembly from the locked engagement with the corresponding internal structures of the housing; and moving the housing lid away from the housing opening.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, moving the housing lid away from the housing opening such that the ends of the flexible arms snap past the corresponding internal structures of the housing.

Images