Recessed Floor Box Cover Wedge Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed floor fittings lack a secure and aesthetically pleasing solution for housing and accessing various combinations of electrical, data, communication, and audio connections, particularly in a way that provides easy access while maintaining a flush and water-resistant design.
Innovation Solution
A recessed floor box system featuring a housing with a riser and cover mechanism, including a latch mechanism with wedge latches biased radially, a flange with a recessed channel, and a gasket for water resistance, allowing for zero-profile visibility and secure access to the interior chamber through egress openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a recessed floor fitting is designed with a flush appearance and secure latch mechanism, then aesthetics and security are improved, but access to the interior chamber becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge latch mechanism is designed to be automatically actuated by inserting a simple tool (such as a screwdriver or coin) into the access opening. The tool directly engages the wedge-shaped latch, which then pivots to release the cover without requiring manual manipulation of complex locking mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains security while enabling easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to manually manipulate a traditional latch or screw mechanism to open the cover, the design inverts the approach by having the tool insertion itself trigger the latch release. The wedge-shaped latch is positioned such that tool insertion directly forces the latch to pivot open, reversing the conventional sequence of unlocking then opening.
2Shape
If a recessed floor fitting is designed with a zero-profile appearance, then aesthetics are improved, but visibility of surface features for access indication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cover incorporates visual indicators such as colored rings, contrasting color sections, or illuminated elements that change appearance based on the cover's state (locked vs. unlocked). These color or brightness changes provide clear visual feedback to users about the operational state of the cover without disrupting the overall flush appearance when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The design introduces intermediary visual elements (such as indicator rings, markings, or lighting elements) that mediate between the flush cover surface and the user's need for information. These intermediaries provide access indication without requiring the cover itself to have visible protruding features.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides secure, accessible, and water-resistant housing for multiple connection types with a flush, zero-profile appearance, enhancing usability and aesthetics in floor installations.
Implementation Method 1
The latch mechanism may include a wedge latch biased radially away from the cover
Implementation Method 2
each be biased radially away from the latch mechanism by a respective biasing member
Data Source
AI summary
A recessed floor box system is provided herein. The recessed floor box system includes a housing having a set of walls defining an interior chamber; a riser; a non-use cover; and an in-use cover. The riser is connected to the housing and includes an interior opening connected to the interior chamber. The non-use cover is positioned on the riser and across the interior opening. The in-use cover is positioned on the riser and at least partially defines an egress opening that provides access to the interior opening. The in-use cover includes an upper portion having a substantially planar surface and a lower portion having a latch mechanism to secure the cover over the riser.