Flexible Electrical Device Cover with Expandable Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical device covers fail to effectively shield devices from water and contaminants while accommodating electrical connectors, as they either do not expand to enclose connectors or are not adaptable for different usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A flexible electrical device cover with a lid coupled by a hinge to a base, featuring a flexible element that can expand to enclose connectors and retract to a low profile, incorporating pleats and a cord port for adaptability, and using various attachment methods such as heat staking, adhesive, or Velcro for structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cover uses a rigid lid structure, then structural integrity is maintained, but the cover cannot expand to accommodate electrical connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible membrane as the lid structure that can expand and retract while maintaining protective function. The flexible element is coupled to the base and can deform to accommodate electrical connectors during use, then return to a low-profile position when not in use, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static rigid lid into a dynamic flexible membrane that can change its shape and volume. The membrane transitions between expanded and retracted states based on usage conditions, allowing the cover to adapt its structure rather than remaining fixed, thus achieving both protection and accommodation capabilities
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cover expands to enclose connectors, then protection against contaminants is improved, but the profile increases from low to high
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane lid dynamically changes its depth based on operational requirements. When the electrical device is not in use, the membrane maintains a low profile that is aesthetically pleasing and space-efficient. When connectors need to be enclosed for protection, the membrane expands upward to provide full coverage, then returns to its low profile when connectors are removed
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover is designed for while-in-use protection, then adaptability to different usage scenarios is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that inherently provides the adaptability needed for different usage scenarios without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms. The membrane's flexibility alone enables it to accommodate various connector configurations and usage positions, simplifying the overall structure compared to rigid articulated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions: it provides protection when expanded, maintains a low profile when retracted, and can accommodate various electrical connector configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single simple component rather than multiple specialized parts, reducing overall structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for electrical devices is disclosed. Particular implementations include an electrical device cover configured to mount over an electrical device includes a lid having a flexible membrane. The lid is coupled by a hinge to a base and the cover includes a cord port in an edge of a surface of the cover. The lid is configured to expand through the flexible membrane to an expanded position to accommodate an electrical connector coupled with the electrical device. The lid may also be configured to reduce in depth as the lid retracts from the expanded position to a retracted position through the flexible membrane.