Flush Floor Box Cover with Segmented Lid and Gasket Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In-floor electrical boxes in large facilities face issues with debris and liquid accumulation during cleaning and normal traffic, as existing covers are ineffective in preventing entry while cables are connected and often create a trip hazard.
Innovation Solution
A floor-mounted enclosure with a lid and door system that allows cable egress through a cutout, featuring a sliding or pivoting door that remains flush with the floor, minimizing the risk of tripping and liquid/debris entry, using a spring-biased mechanism and gasket for sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the in-floor box is covered with a lid to prevent entry of liquids and debris, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but cable egress is blocked and the cover protrudes creating a trip hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is segmented by introducing a cutout that separates the protective covering function from the cable passage function. The cutout allows cables to pass through while the surrounding lid structure maintains the protective barrier against liquids and debris.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the lid and the in-floor box. The gasket provides a sealing function that prevents liquid and debris entry while accommodating the cutout opening, thereby maintaining protection despite the cable passage opening.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the in-floor box is covered with a lid to prevent entry of liquids and debris, then protection against harmful factors is improved, but the cover protrudes above floor level creating a trip hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The lid design incorporates a local modification at the cutout edge where the protective surface is intentionally interrupted to allow cable passage. The rest of the lid maintains a flush profile with the floor surface, providing protection without creating trip hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the cable passage function to a different dimensional approach by creating a horizontal cutout opening rather than a vertical protrusion. Cables pass through the plane of the lid rather than requiring the lid to rise above the floor surface.
3Ease of operation
If a cutout is provided in the lid for cable egress, then cable passage is improved, but protection against liquid and debris entry is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary element between the lid and the in-floor box. The gasket provides a sealing function that prevents liquid and debris entry while accommodating the cutout opening, thereby maintaining protection despite the cable passage opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket functions as a flexible sealing element that can deform to accommodate the cutout opening for cable passage while maintaining a continuous seal around the opening to prevent liquid and debris entry.
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 effectively prevents debris and liquid entry into the in-floor box while allowing cable egress, reducing the risk of electrical damage and tripping hazards, maintaining a flush profile to avoid protrusions.
Implementation Method 1
The door can be spring-biased to close the cutout
Implementation Method 2
using a spring-biased mechanism and gasket for sealing
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for a floor-mounted enclosure or in-floor box includes a lid that remains flush with the floor and covers the in-floor box while permitting egress of electrical cables connected to receptacles housed in the box.