Telescoping Outlet Cover Enclosure for Watertight Compact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outlet covers are large and cumbersome, making them inefficient for use on rarely used electrical outlets, as they do not collapse or configure to take up less space, which can lead to issues with water and dirt ingress when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A configurable electrical outlet cover featuring a base with a hinged lid and a telescoping enclosure that can slide between a collapsed and extended position, incorporating a convex front surface and a gasket to provide a watertight seal, allowing the cover to adapt its size and protect the outlet effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If outlet covers are made large and boxy to accommodate power plugs, then protection against water and dirt is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates when outlets are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet cover incorporates a telescoping enclosure that can dynamically change its configuration between an extended position (when outlet is in use) and a collapsed position (when outlet is not in use). This dynamic structure allows the cover to adapt its volume based on actual usage needs, resolving the contradiction between maintaining protection and reducing space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping enclosure is designed to nest within itself, with one portion sliding inside another portion. When collapsed, the enclosure portions are nested together, significantly reducing the overall volume occupied by the outlet cover while maintaining the ability to extend to full protective size when needed.
2Volume of moving object
If outlet covers are made collapsible to reduce space, then space efficiency is improved, but protection capability deteriorates when collapsed
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions dynamically between extended and collapsed states based on outlet usage. When the outlet is not in use, the enclosure collapses to minimize space while still maintaining a protective configuration that prevents water and dirt ingress, rather than completely opening up.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping enclosure utilizes flexible sealing mechanisms including gaskets and seals that can accommodate the changing geometry of the collapsed structure while maintaining waterproof and dirt-proof protection. The flexible sealing elements ensure protection is maintained even in the compact collapsed state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If telescoping enclosure is added to provide configurable space, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into multiple telescoping portions that can slide relative to each other. This segmentation allows for independent movement and configuration of each portion, providing adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism integrates multiple functions into a single structural system - the enclosure provides both protection and space configuration capabilities through its telescoping action. The lid frame and enclosure work together as a unified system, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical outlet cover with a lid having an adjustable enclosure. The electrical outlet cover includes a base coupled to an electrical outlet and a hinged lid. The lid includes a frame with a central aperture and a telescoping enclosure with a flange at a front edge of a sleeve, the flange extending outward from the sleeve. The sleeve may include a ledge extending outward from the sleeve adjacent a back edge of the sleeve on at least two sides of the sleeve. The sleeve is slidably coupled within the central aperture and movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. A front surface of the sleeve enclosure may include a window that extends forward of the sleeve walls and may further bulge forward of the front surface.