Electrical Cord Connection Cover Sealing Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture interference with electrical cord plug connections can lead to short circuits and safety hazards, particularly in outdoor environments with adverse weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electrical cord connection covering apparatus comprising two housing portions with cross-wise portions and sealing materials, forming a sealed enclosure around the plug and socket connection to prevent moisture ingress, using a living hinge for easy opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrical cord connections are exposed in outdoor environments, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture ingress causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The covering apparatus is divided into a first housing portion and a second housing portion that can be separated. This segmentation allows the connection to be accessible when needed while protected when closed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering apparatus transitions between open and closed states dynamically. When open, the connection is accessible for plugging/unplugging; when closed, it is sealed and protected. This dynamic state change allows both ease of operation and reliability to be achieved at different times as needed.
2Reliability
If a sealed enclosure is used to protect the connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covering apparatus is divided into two housing portions that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing and assembly process while still providing effective sealing, thus improving reliability without excessively increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing portions include sealing portions that form waterproof barriers. These sealing structures provide effective moisture protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, balancing reliability improvement with acceptable device complexity.
3Reliability
If cross-wise portions are added to seal around cords, then protection from moisture is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-wise portions are designed to be flexible and adaptable during assembly. They can deform to accommodate slight variations in cord position and housing alignment, providing effective sealing without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-wise portions are made of elastomeric material that can change shape and size within certain limits. This allows them to accommodate manufacturing variations and still form effective seals, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical connection covering apparatus is designed to protect from moisture a connection between a plug of one extension cord and a socket of another extension cord. A plurality of compressible and elastic at least one cross-wise portion(s) are used to form a seal around the cables of the extension cords where they enter the apparatus. The apparatus includes a housing that has at least one aperture. A flap extends across the aperture. The compressibility and elasticity of the diaphragm material is greater than that of the housing material.