Ball-Joint While-in-Use Cover for Electrical Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for while-in-use covers for electrical boxes that can open in both horizontal and vertical directions without a bubble lid, and can be closed while in use, addressing the limitations of existing covers that typically only open in one direction and have a protruding profile.
Innovation Solution
A while-in-use cover assembly featuring a base and a lid connected by a ball joint, allowing the lid to pivot relative to the base for both horizontal and vertical opening and closing, with a rectangular footprint when closed, and utilizing snap assemblies for secure engagement and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bubble lid design is used for while-in-use covers, then weather shielding capability is improved, but profile height increases and aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between closed and open positions. This dynamic design eliminates the need for a protruding bubble shape, achieving a flush profile when closed while maintaining weather protection capability through the sealed closed position.
2Ease of operation
If existing while-in-use covers are designed to open, then access to electrical devices is enabled, but they typically only open in one direction limiting versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed to pivot in multiple dimensions rather than being constrained to a single opening direction. The ball joint connection allows the lid to open horizontally, vertically, or at intermediate angles, adding dimensional freedom to the opening operation and enabling access from various directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable lid design with ball joint connection creates a dynamic system that can adapt its opening direction based on installation orientation and user needs, transforming a static single-direction cover into a versatile multi-directional access solution.
3Ease of operation
If a movable lid design is implemented, then ease of access is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A ball joint connection is used to create a simple yet effective movable linkage between the lid and base. This mechanical joint provides the necessary pivoting motion in multiple directions without requiring complex actuators, motors, or control systems, maintaining simplicity while enabling easy access.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a while-in-use cover assembly for an electric wire box, having: a base having a front surface and a bottom surface; a lid that selectively covers the base front surface, wherein a first geometric shape is formed by a top profile of the lid, and the while-in-use cover assembly is confined to the first geometric shape when closed; and a ball-joint connecting the lid and the base, wherein the lid can pivot relative to the base, about the ball-joint, for positioning the lid against the base and away from the base, wherein: when the lid is positioned against the base the while-in-use cover assembly is closed; and when the lid is positioned away from the base, the while-in-use cover assembly is opened.